Reelected Senator Imee Marcos made waves during the proclamation of the 2025 senatorial election winners after noticeably leaving out any mention of her younger brother, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., in her thanksgiving speech.
Landing in 12th place, Imee returned to the Senate after a tight race. During her brief remarks, she expressed deep appreciation to her 96-year-old mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, and to her children, all of whom were physically present at the ceremony. However, the senator focused much of her gratitude on former President Rodrigo Duterte and his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte.
“Kay Presidente Duterte, ang ating dating Pangulo na Oktubre pa lamang itinaas na ang aking kamay, at sa kanyang anak na hanggang sa huling sandali si VP Inday Sara ay ako’y kinakampanya,” Imee said, praising their unwavering support throughout her campaign.
She continued, “Ang tagumpay na ito, kahit gaano kailap at kahirap ay isang katibayan na kapag ikaw ay nanindigan para sa tama, mananalo ka.”
Her speech quickly drew attention for the absence of any reference to President Bongbong Marcos, prompting questions from the media afterward. When asked about the omission, Imee simply responded, “Ay nalimutan ko na. Wala akong kodigo eh.”
The snub comes after the President excluded Imee from the administration-backed Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas slate in the middle of the campaign season. This came shortly after Imee initiated a Senate inquiry into the arrest of former President Duterte, causing friction within the Marcos-Duterte alliance.
Despite being left out of the administration slate, Imee was publicly endorsed by Vice President Sara Duterte in the final stretch of the campaign.
In the same interview, Imee brushed off rumors that she was aiming for the Senate presidency, saying, “Wala akong naiisip. Gusto ko lang maproklama.”
She also addressed the impending impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte, noting that she would decide based on facts and evidence. “As senator, I will sit as a judge and will rely on the evidence presented,” she said.
With her reelection confirmed, all eyes are now on Imee Marcos’ next moves in a Senate shaped by political shifts—and personal rifts within the most powerful family in the country.