President Marcos said he respects his sister’s decision to run independently in the 2025 senatorial elections, saying it’s a choice he understands from personal experience.
“That’s fine. That happens. I’ve run as an independent myself many times. And so, that is her choice,” Mr. Marcos said.
He said running independently would allow Senator Imee Marcos more flexibility in her campaign.
“I suppose that gives her a little bit more scope and freedom to make her own schedule and to campaign in the way that she would like to do,” he said.
Mr. Marcos said the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas would remain behind her sister and would welcome her if she joins them during sorties.
“We are still continuing to support her. And if down the road she chooses to join us in our campaign sorties, she is of course very welcome,” he added.
A day after being named in the administration slate, Senator Marcos released a statement saying she was withdrawing from the coalition.
“I chose to stand alone so that my ading (younger sibling) will no longer be put in a difficult position, and my true friends won’t have to hesitate. I choose to remain free and loyal—not to any group, but to every Filipino,” she said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Marcos said it was too early to discuss a replacement for Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, who is included in the administration’s Alyansa slate.
“That’s premature. Let’s allow Secretary Abalos to finish (filing his COC). I don’t want him to feel that we are already pushing him out. When he will file, we will also announce his replacement,” the President said.
When asked about potential candidates for the position, Mr. Marcos said there are currently only two names under consideration.
For his part, cardiologist and 2022 vice presidential candidate Willie Ong said he will run for senator in the May 2025 elections.
Despite his ongoing battle with sarcoma cancer, which he revealed earlier this month, Ong confirmed he will file his certificate of candidacy on October 2.
Ong described the tumor, measuring 16 centimeters and located behind his heart, as “deeply hidden” and blocking his esophagus, making it difficult to swallow.
He has undergone extensive testing and treatment abroad, citing frustrations with the slow healthcare system in the Philippines.
