Senator Imee Marcos has publicly declared that she will not be attending the administration-led ‘Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas’ campaign sortie in Tacloban City. Her decision comes as a protest against the recent arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, an event that has further heightened political tensions in the Philippines.
In a social media post addressed to her supporters, Marcos expressed her disappointment and outrage over Duterte’s arrest. “Hindi ko matanggap ang ginawa kay [former President Rodrigo Duterte],” she stated, which translates to “I cannot accept what was done to former President Rodrigo Duterte.” She further apologized to her Waray constituents for her absence at the event, emphasizing her strong stance against what she perceives as an unjust action.
Duterte’s arrest occurred on March 11, following an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The charges against him stem from allegations of crimes against humanity linked to his controversial war on drugs, a campaign that resulted in thousands of deaths. Duterte had long been a vocal critic of the ICC, refusing to acknowledge its jurisdiction over the Philippines and previously withdrawing the country from the Rome Statute in 2019.
Despite Duterte’s withdrawal from the ICC, the court continued its investigation, citing that the alleged crimes occurred while the Philippines was still a member. This led to an international warrant being issued against Duterte, placing pressure on the current administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to act. The government, while clarifying that it did not directly cooperate with the ICC, emphasized its obligation to comply with international commitments, particularly those concerning the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).
The arrest has caused a significant divide within the Marcos administration and its allies. While Bongbong Marcos has maintained a more neutral stance, Senator Imee Marcos, who has historically been a staunch Duterte supporter, has taken a firmer position in opposing the arrest. Her absence from the Tacloban sortie signals a deeper rift among the political allies who once united under Duterte’s leadership.
The ‘Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas’ coalition, which is composed of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), the Nacionalista Party, and the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), has been actively campaigning for the 2025 senatorial elections. Senator Imee Marcos, initially running an independent campaign, was later reintroduced to the coalition’s slate during their first rally on February 11, 2025.
However, with the recent developments, her continued association with the coalition has been brought into question. Her stance against Duterte’s arrest may alienate some administration allies while strengthening her ties with Duterte’s supporters, who remain vocal against the ICC’s involvement.
Political analysts suggest that this event may have long-term implications for the Marcos administration’s relationship with Duterte’s allies. While Bongbong Marcos has sought to distance himself from the controversies of the previous administration, Imee Marcos’s decision to side with Duterte’s supporters highlights a growing divide within the ruling coalition.
The coming weeks will determine whether this internal conflict will escalate further or if reconciliation efforts will be made. For now, Senator Imee Marcos’s absence from the Tacloban rally serves as a significant political statement, reinforcing the ongoing debate over Duterte’s legacy and the ICC’s role in holding former leaders accountable.
Credits: ABS-CBN
