Presidential sister and Senator Imee Marcos asserted on Friday that the government is now controlled by Romualdez and Araneta, and no longer by a Marcos.
"Ang gobyerno ngayon ay hindi Marcos. Ang gobyerno ngayon ay Romualdez at Araneta," Imee said in a political advertisement posted on Facebook.
Her statement was seen as a subtle dig at her cousin, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and her sister-in-law, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
Furthermore, the senator remarked that a true Marcos would never align with politicians who once accused, implicated, or persecuted their family.
"Ako ay si Imee Marcos at kapag Marcos ka, hindi ka makikipag-alyansa sa mga politikong nagbintang, nagdiin, at umapi sa iyong pamilya," said Imee.
"Hindi mo kakainin ang isinuka mo para lamang sa politika. Hindi ganyan ang legasiya ng aking ama," she added.
Citing ongoing national issues, the President’s sister argued that they serve as evidence that a Marcos is no longer in control of the government.
"Imported na ang bigas, imported pa ang hustisya?" she added.
Marcos and her brother have been divided over the issue of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest, revealing a growing political disagreement.
The former president was taken into custody upon his arrival in Manila from Hong Kong on March 11.
He was later flown to The Hague, Netherlands, to face trial for crimes against humanity allegedly committed in the Philippines between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019.
Imee then initiated an investigation through the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, which she chairs.
In her full report, she recommended that the Office of the Ombudsman launch an investigation into top government officials involved in the arrest of former President Duterte.
She alleged that the officials could be held accountable for violations of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, as well as for grave misconduct, usurpation of official functions, arbitrary detention, and other related offenses.
Her brother responded by acknowledging that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but clarified that he does not share the same view.
Last month, Imee announced her decision to part ways with the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, the senatorial slate endorsed by her brother.
