Sen. Imee Marcos yesterday said she will only join the campaign rallies of the Alyansa ng Bagong Pilipinas in places which will be hosted by her “friends” and if her schedule permits.
In a press conference at the Senate, Marcos reiterated that she is running as an independent candidate despite her inclusion in the 12-man administration slate.
“Ganoon pa rin, independent ako. Nag-klaro lang ako sa Alyansa na hahayaan ako na magsalita ng gusto ko at hindi ako sang-ayon sa lahat ng sinasabi sa entablado. Pero pupunta ako lalo na sa mga kaibigan na yung magho-host ng ibang rally (It’s still the same, I am running as an independent candidate. I have made it clear to the Alyansa to allow me to speak what I want. I do not agree with everything that say on stage. But I will join [the rallies] if these are hosted by close friends),” she added.
Marcos attended Alyansa’s proclamation rally in Laoag, Ilocos Norte last February 11.
She said she joined the kickoff rally in Laoag because of her son and a friend, whom she did not name, who invited her. She said was a guest candidate.
“Kinaladkad na ako ng anak ko at sinundo na ako ng ibang kaibigan. So, nagpunta ako nang biglaan. At yun na nga, nung nasa entablado na, nag-kahalikan na at nagtaas na ng kamay (I was dragged by my son and I was fetched by some friends. So, I joined the rally. While on stage, we greeted each other with a kiss and our hands were raised),” she said.
Marcos said she and her brother, President Marcos Jr. have nothing personal grudge against each other even if she is known to be a close ally of Vice President Sara Duterte.
She also acknowledged that getting her brother’s endorsement is a big factor in her reelection bid.
Administration-backed senatorial candidates said the President’s support is a game-changer in their campaign in Metro Manila.
Former senator Manny Pacquiao said Marcos’ backing is a decisive factor in the coalition’s push to dominate Metro Manila, which has 7.32 million registered voters, making it a critical stronghold in the May 2025 midterm elections.
“We are confident at Alyansa that we will go 12-0 in Metro Manila because we have the support of the President. Alyansa’s programs are for the poor, the Filipino people, that each family can have good jobs,” Pacquiao told a press conference.
Metro Manila played a crucial role in the 2022 elections, with 5.96 million voters casting their ballots, 3.26 million of whom backed Marcos, enabling him to sweep all 16 cities and one municipality.
Former Sen. Panfilo Lacson said the President’s direct involvement and presence in campaign events are giving Alyansa a major boost in voter confidence, while former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III expressed confidence in Alyansa’s standing in Metro Manila, as he cited his role in converting 10 municipalities — including Makati, Mandaluyong, Las Piñas and Parañaque — into cities.
“I am confident because we have a strong team. We are known in Metro Manila, the people know what we have done. For example, when I became a senator in 1992, there were only four cities here: Pasay, Manila, Quezon City, and Caloocan. I converted 10 into cities,” Sotto said.
Former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said Marcos’ landslide win in NCR during the 2022 polls reflects the trust and confidence that Alyansa hopes to secure in the upcoming elections.
Makati City Mayor Abby Binay and Deputy Speaker Camille Villar cited the coalition’s strong local ties and its understanding of Metro Manila’s pressing issues, including traffic congestion, food inflation, and crime.
Binay said Alyansa represents a strong mix of executive and legislative experience.
Sen. Francis Tolentino pointed to the President’s contributions to Metro Manila’s infrastructure, including the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) transport hub and MRT-7.
Rep. Erwin Tulfo said that despite the Alyansa’s strong position, it is not taking anything for granted.
“We are confident, but we don’t want to be complacent. We are still courting the voters,” Tulfo said.
The Alyansa ticket is also composed of Senators Ramon Bong Revilla, Pia Cayetano, and Lito Lapid.
