Presidential sister and Senator Imee Marcos announced on Wednesday her decision to part ways with the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, the senatorial slate endorsed by her brother, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
In a Facebook post, the reelectionist expressed that the administration's actions surrounding the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte do not align with her values and principles.
"Sa aking mga paunang natuklasan, na ilalahad ko sa mga darating na araw, malinaw na may mga hakbang na ginawa ang administrasyon na salungat sa aking mga paninindigan at prinsipyo," said Sen. Marcos.
"Dahil dito, hindi ko na magagawang mangampanya at tumuntong sa iisang entablado kasama ang iba pang kasapi ng Alyansa. Tulad ng aking sinabi mula sa simula ng panahon ng halalan, mananatili akong independyente," she added.
Citing the recent Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing regarding Duterte’s arrest, she referred to the statements made by government officials, suggesting that crucial facts are being concealed.
She also remarked on the repeated assertions from officials that the country was simply abiding by international agreements.
However, she emphasized that the deliberate concealment of the facts only intensified the suspicion that the Constitution was violated and that the country's sovereignty was compromised in Duterte's arrest.
"Higit sa anumang pulitikal na pakinabang, dapat manaig ang soberanya ng bansa at ang tunay na katarungan para sa bawat Pilipino," the Senator said in closing.
During the hearing, Cabinet members reiterated that they did not cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC), countering claims of a supposed 'grand conspiracy' behind Duterte's arrest.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin 'Boying' Remulla insisted that they had not met with any investigators from the ICC.
He further noted that the only communication they received was a notice from the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) on March 11, requesting assistance in the arrest of the former president.
Despite acknowledging that the ICC no longer has jurisdiction over the Philippines, he emphasized that its authority still applies to individuals like Duterte, who are facing charges of Crimes Against Humanity, referencing humanitarian law recognized worldwide today.
Marcos previously stated that she holds no resentment after her brother failed to mention her name during the Alyansa campaign rally in Cavite and Laguna.
