Former Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque noted on Monday that Vice President Sara Duterte's endorsement of Senator Imee Marcos' reelection bid was likely driven by personal or strategic considerations.
In a Facebook Live broadcast, Roque pointed out that Duterte is currently dealing with a series of challenges, citing the arrest of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and the ongoing impeachment efforts against her.
Roque suggested that Duterte’s endorsement of Marcos might be influenced by the looming impeachment trial, which will require votes from senators to either convict or acquit her.
He added that in order to retain her position as Vice President, Duterte would need at least eight votes from senators who would oppose the impeachment bid.
Moreover, he explained that among the eight required votes, three may already be secured through Duterte’s close allies: Senators Robin Padilla, Bong Go, and Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, with the potential backing of other sympathetic senators.
"Siguro naman, ngayong naendorso na ni VP Sara si mangga Imee Marcos ay talaga namang at least maninidigan si Manang Imee na hihindian niya ang anumang tangka para tanggalin sa pwesto ang ating Vice President," said Roque.
Roque added that Duterte may view Senator Marcos as a political friend, whose presence is based on mutual benefit rather than genuine loyalty.
"At hindi ito ‘yung mga tao talaga na pagkakatiwalaan mo with your own life. So, sa tingin ko, ganyan ang tingin ni Inday Sara kay mangga. Hindi para pagkatiwalaan si mangga sa kanyang buhay, pero alam niya sa pulitika ay talagang kinakailangan lang na magkaroon ng alyado," he added.
He appealed to Duterte loyalists to back the Vice President’s move, despite lingering sentiments that the Marcoses are not entirely trustworthy.
However, he clarified that his stance on the Marcos family has not changed, but given the challenges Vice President Duterte is currently facing, he believes her decision should be supported for now.
Roque admitted that, despite the emotional difficulty, he will cast his vote for Marcos.
"Hoy mangga, iboboto ka lang namin dahil kay Inday Sara Duterte. Do not make the mistake na nabola mo kami, na ibang klase ka, na iba ka sa iyong kapatid," Roque told Imee.
"Nag-iisa lang kayo. Ang mangga [ay] hindi pupwedeng magbunga ng santol. Pero dahil nandyan si Inday Sara na humihingi ng tulong para sa iyo, susuporta kami masama man aming mga loob," he added.
Roque concluded by reiterating that those who are against the Marcoses but choose to vote for Imee are doing so out of support for Vice President Duterte, not because of their belief in the senator.
In a political ad posted on Imee's Facebook page, Duterte showed her backing for the senator’s reelection, both dressed in black and emphasizing that 'black' now reflects the country’s current state.
The endorsement came after Marcos’ decision to part ways with the administration-backed slate, Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas.
