MALACAÑANG dismissed speculation of a rift between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his sister, Senator Imee Marcos, following her withdrawal from his Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial slate.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President does not dwell on such matters.
“From Senator Imee Marcos’ statements, it may seem like there is [a conflict], but on the President’s part, we cannot say that their relationship is strained,” Castro said during a press briefing.
She added that President Marcos is not easily affected by political disagreements.
“The President has never been thin-skinned. Let’s just wait for him to address the issue himself,” she said.
IMEE’S DEPARTURE FROM ADMINISTRATION SLATE
Castro suggested that Senator Marcos’ decision to leave the administration ticket was appropriate if she did not support its advocacies.
“If she doesn’t believe in Alyansa’s programs, then maintaining a good relationship within the slate would be difficult,” she said.
On Wednesday, Senator Marcos announced her official withdrawal from the administration’s senatorial lineup, citing differences over the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, a close friend and ally.
ALYANSA RESPECTS IMEE’S DECISION
Navotas City Representative Toby Tiangco, Alyansa’s campaign manager, said they respect the senator’s decision to leave the slate.
“We acknowledge her choice and wish her well,” Tiangco stated.
Despite the political developments, Malacañang maintains that there is no conflict between the President and his sister.