By Jennifer P. Rendon
Sen. Imee Marcos believes that becoming president is an act of fate, saying it is “hulog ng Diyos” (God-sent).
“‘Yung pagiging pangulo, hulog ng Diyos ‘yan. Galing sa langit ‘yan (Becoming president is a gift from God. It comes from heaven),” she said during a press conference on Feb. 12, a day before the proclamation rally of Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas in Iloilo City.
She said the presidency is something that cannot be forced.
“‘Yun lang ang payo ko sa mga ambisyoso (That’s my only advice to the ambitious),” she added.
Marcos brought up the topic after being asked about her relationship with her cousin, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, amid the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte.
“I think there’s basic courtesy when I see him in public during bill signings and official events. Pero siguro, naiinis na rin ‘yun sa akin (But maybe he’s already annoyed with me),” she said.
She attributed their strained relationship to her opposition to the People’s Initiative for constitutional amendments.
Marcos also said her stance on the budget and other national issues may have contributed to the tension.
“So, medyo hindi kami nag-uusap (We don’t talk that much),” she admitted.
On Political Affiliations
Marcos said she was unsure if she would join Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) on stage during the event.
“I’m not certain, but some people say I’m playing both sides, securing my position, or using others. Hindi naman siguro,” she said.
She clarified that she prefers to avoid political conflicts.
“Problema ko lang talaga, ayoko ng gulo. Medyo nasasaktan ako pag nagkakabirahan ang dalawa (My only problem is that I don’t like conflicts. It hurts me when the two sides clash),” she said, referring to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and the Duterte family.
“Si Bongbong, kapatid ko pa rin, at wala kaming away (Bongbong is still my brother, and we have no quarrel),” she added.
Gratitude to the Dutertes
Marcos also expressed her gratitude to the Duterte family.
“Sa totoo lang, apat na pangulo ang nagdaan. Twenty-plus years na hindi malilibing ‘yung Tatay ko. Ang nagtapang lang para malibing si Tatay ko was President Duterte (Honestly, four presidents had come and gone, and for over 20 years, my father could not be buried. The only one who had the courage to have him buried was President Duterte),” she said.
She recalled how the Dutertes supported her 2019 senatorial campaign.
In 2022, she noted that Sara Duterte ran in tandem with her brother, contributing to what she described as “the biggest victory in Philippine history.”
Marcos emphasized her deep ties with the Duterte family, saying it is something she remains thankful for.
