Photo courtesy of the Imee Marcos Official Instagram Page
March 25, 2025 – Manila, Philippines
Senator Imee Marcos has officially withdrawn from the administration-backed coalition Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas (ABP), citing political and legal disagreements over the arrest and extradition of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The senator, sister of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., confirmed her departure from the coalition in a public statement released on March 26, 2025.
“As I have stated from the outset of the election period, I will continue to maintain my independence,” she said.
Omission Sparks Speculation
Her withdrawal came days after President Marcos failed to mention her name during campaign rallies in Cavite and Laguna, where only 11 senatorial candidates were endorsed under the ABP slate—leaving observers to speculate on her status.
Asked about her omission, Senator Marcos told reporters: “I don’t know what happened. I was clueless,” she said, adding, “It’s okay.”
Duterte Arrest the Breaking Point
The rift widened following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who was transferred to The Hague to face charges of crimes against humanity related to his war on drugs. The Marcos administration’s cooperation with international authorities drew criticism from sectors who viewed it as compromising national sovereignty.
Senator Marcos, a Duterte ally, led a Senate inquiry into the arrest and strongly questioned its legal and constitutional basis.
“Since when did the Philippines become a province of The Hague?” she asked during the hearing—one of several remarks that drew national attention.
A Defining Political Split
The departure marks a visible split between two of the Philippines’ most powerful political families. Once allies, the Marcos and Duterte camps now appear on diverging paths ahead of the May 2025 midterm elections.
While Senator Marcos has not publicly criticized her brother, her actions signal a clear repositioning as she continues her Senate reelection campaign as an independent.
Political observers note her departure may energize nationalist and pro-Duterte voters, adding further complexity to an already dynamic electoral landscape.
As of this writing, the Palace has not released a statement regarding her withdrawal.
