By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Imee Marcos is calling for transparency regarding the budget allocated for flood control projects in Bicol amid ongoing severe flooding in the region.
“It’s unacceptable that ₱132 billion has been earmarked for Bicol flood control projects, yet communities are still flooded, and families are suffering. The public deserves to know where these funds went,” Marcos said.
According to the 2024 General Appropriations Act, Bicol received ₱31.94 billion this year alone, totaling nearly ₱133 billion over the past six years.
Of this amount, more than ₱86.6 billion was allocated in the past two years. Yet, Typhoon Kristine has once again left the region in crisis, highlighting insufficient infrastructure and critical gaps in flood control measures.
The senator is urging government agencies, particularly the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), to provide a full accounting of the funds and the progress of these projects.
She supports a thorough investigation into the budget’s utilization, scheduled for discussion in the November budget hearings.
“For the 2025 budget, we need concrete, well-engineered solutions that genuinely address climate threats—not outdated projects that put lives, homes, and livelihoods at risk,” she emphasized.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Imee Marcos has called for the inclusion of funding for green infrastructure in the 2025 budget to address the recurring problems of typhoons and flooding.
“Let’s start with simple community-level solutions, like expanding mangrove forests and planting indigenous bayog or Bambusa spinosa, which ancient Filipinos used for housing, as well as gabion species along riverbanks,” Marcos said.
The infrastructure budget for 2025 is expected to reach P1.28 trillion, but Marcos emphasized the need to prioritize green infrastructure for the first time.
“The budget typically focuses on gray infrastructure, like purely concrete structures. However, these materials are not permeable and can’t absorb rainwater,” she pointed out.
“We need to invest in solutions like vertical parks, rooftop gardens, and void decks. The climate is worsening faster than expected, and it’s time to allocate funds for green spaces, even in urbanized areas,” the senator added.
The United Nations has identified the Philippines as one of the countries most vulnerable to disasters, and has chosen the Philippines to host the new Loss and Damage Fund to support climate change adaptation.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio revealed that Senator Imee Marcos has become “cold” following her recent controversial press conference, during which she criticized the Marcos family.
When asked if she had spoken with Senator Imee, Duterte-Carpio mentioned that she had texted the senator, but received a distant response.
“After the press conference, I texted her, and she was cold—very cold. She even told a mutual friend of ours that she was upset with me and with BBM,” Duterte-Carpio said.
“I told our mutual friend to pass on a message: ‘Tell her not to be angry with me and BBM; she should be upset with Liza and Martin instead,'” she added.
Despite the tension, the Vice President still considers Senator Imee a “friend” and maintains that she did not attack her.
Duterte-Carpio previously claimed that it was Senator Imee Marcos who urged her to run for Vice President as PBBM’s running mate in order to secure victory against Leni Robredo in the 2022 elections.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Imee Marcos emphasized on Monday (October 14, 2024) that various departments need to work together to tackle the malnutrition issue in the country.
Marcos raised her concerns during the continuation of the Finance Subcommittee I briefing on the proposed 2025 budget for the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and its attached agencies.
She stated that agencies must identify their target beneficiaries and develop varied approaches, recognizing that severely malnourished children face different circumstances than those who are mildly malnourished.
“Given the state of malnutrition in the country, our current efforts are not effective. I’m not placing blame, but we need to coordinate better among the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health, and the Department of Education. Our nutrition programs simply aren’t working,” Marcos told Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian.
In response, Gatchalian informed the committee that a group comprising the three departments mentioned by Marcos had already been commissioned by the National Economic and Development Authority to synchronize their programs.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Imee Marcos has proposed several measures to address mental health issues, including enlisting overseas Filipinos and mental health professionals to share their expertise.
Marcos highlighted the urgency of the issue, recalling her personal experience that underscored the need for immediate action.
“During my time as governor, over a dozen teenage suicides were reported within a six-month period. We must recognize mental health as a critical aspect of well-being and address it with the seriousness it deserves, moving beyond the stigma,” she stated.
The senator also recommended empowering psychiatric nurses to take on a more significant role in treating mental health patients. She further proposed workshops for Sangguniang Kabataan and other youth groups to encourage peer-to-peer counseling.
Additionally, Marcos suggested that the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) offer subsidies to teachers interested in pursuing guidance counseling, aiming to boost the number of qualified professionals in the field.
Currently, data from the Philippine Psychiatric Association reveals there are only 651 psychiatrists, 516 psychiatric nurses, and 133 psychologists serving the entire country.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Imee Marcos officially filed her Certificate of Candidacy (COC) on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, for her reelection bid.
She was accompanied by her mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, and her two sons.
Earlier, Imee Marcos withdrew from her brother President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s senatorial slate, opting to run as an independent candidate.
“Pinili kong maging malaya para hindi na ako kakampi kung kanino man, laban pa sa iba. Mas maiigi na piliin na lang natin ang sambayanang Pilipino,” she explained.
Before heading to Manila Hotel to file her COC, Imee and her mother visited Malate Catholic Church.
Marcos also shared how eager her mother was to be part of the filing process.
“‘Yung nanay ko excited, hindi nakatulog ‘yan. Ala singko natulog, biglang nariyan na. Ala syete nasa simbahan na, nakikidasal. At inaasahan ko na talagang ‘yung swerte at wisdom niya sa pulitika ay maibigay rin sa akin,” she said.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. stated that the alliance will continue to support Senator Imee Marcos despite her decision to withdraw from the administration’s Senate slate.
“That’s fine… That’s her choice. I suppose it gives her a little bit of scope and freedom to make her own schedule to campaign the way that she would like to do,” the President said.
On Monday, Imee announced that she would not be joining the administration’s Senate slate and has chosen to run independently.
Despite this, Marcos affirmed that the alliance will continue to support her.
“The Alyansa is still behind her; we are continuing to support her, and if down the road she chooses to join us in the campaign sorties, she’s very welcome,” he said.
The Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas is composed of various political parties, including the President’s Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), and Nacionalista Party (NP).
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Imee Marcos has withdrawn from the administration’s Senate slate for the 2025 midterm elections.
“It’s a tremendous sacrifice to stand alone, but I need to be free to cross the line to talk to all parties and to get things done,” Marcos told reporters on Monday (30 Sept 2024).
“Uniteam was a dream that I shared in 2022, and I hold fast to that dream of unity for all Filipinos,” she added.
The senator noted that her mother, Imelda Marcos, was saddened by her decision to run independently.
“‘Yung nanay ko nalulungkot eh. Sabi niya, bakit naman gano’n? Sabi ko, mas maganda naman para sa pamilya, para sa kabutihan ng lahat. Para nakakausap natin lahat ng sektor, meron tayong daan na makisuyo sa iba’t ibang panig. At yun naman ang turo ng aking ama, isang bansa, isang diwa. Huwag tayo magkawatak-watak,” she said.
Meanwhile, her brother, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., stated that the alliance will still support her despite her withdrawal.
By Liza Soriano
MANILA – Senator Imee Marcos has declared her decision to “stand alone” in the 2025 Senate race, despite being included in the administration’s senatorial slate for the upcoming elections.
“It is never easy to stand alone, in campaigns or in politics,” Marcos said. “I chose this path so that my ading (younger brother) won’t be placed in a difficult situation, and my true friends won’t need to hesitate.”
“I choose to remain free and loyal—not to any group, but to every Filipino,” she added, referring to her commitment to independence. Senator Marcos is the sister of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and is currently affiliated with the Nacionalista Party (NP).
Marcos also expressed her gratitude to her brother for including her in the slate.
“I am deeply grateful to President Bongbong, who, despite the anger and extreme cruelty of some, defended me and included me in the alliance,” she said.
“Thanks also to the NP and all my allies who continue to stand by me. I hope your trust in me remains strong,” she concluded.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA – Senator Marcos, whose personal closeness to Vice President Sara Duteete cannot be denied, was conspicuously absent during the unveiling event of the senatorial ticket for 2025 of the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas.
The “Alyansa” is composed of major political parties, namely the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) headed by Marcos Jr., Lakas-CMD led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) of former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Nacionalista Party (NP) headed by billionaire and former Speaker Manny Villar, and the National Unity Party (NUP).
The President declared on Thursday (26 September 2024) his senatorial slate a week before Comelec opens the filing of candidacies for the 2025 midterm elections.
Aside from re-electionist Sen. Imee, Sotto III, former senators Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and boxing legend Manny Pacquiao will run again for the Senate.
Former actors Lito Lapid and Bong Revilla, Pia Cayetano, and Francis Tolentino are included in the lineup.
Abby Binay, Camille Villar, Erwin Tulfo, and Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos III are seeking first terms in the Senate.
Abby Binay, the sister of Sen. Nancy Binay, is currently on her 3rd and last term as a Makati mayor, while Camille Villar, the daughter of NP chief Manny Villar and senator Cynthia Villar, is Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA – Netizens are buzzing over photos of the owner of the alleged illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub, recently raided in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
The images show him appearing close with Vice President Sara Duterte and Senator Imee Marcos.
The two photos, featuring Chinese national Zao Lao alongside VP Sara and Sen. Imee, were reportedly seized by authorities during the raid at Tourist Garden Hotel on August 31.
According to reports, the Bilyonaryo News Channel, a sister outlet of Politiko, obtained exclusive access to these images.
“Tell me who your friends are, and I’ll tell you who you are,” some political pundits quipped, quoting an old saying.
However, some netizens argued that the undated photos, seemingly taken at the same event given Lao’s outfit, are “not conclusive.” They suggested it’s common for “trapos” (traditional politicians) like VP Sara and Sen. Imee to take pictures with fans or supporters.
Lao was arrested during the joint operation by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).
The PAOCC revealed that almost all of the foreigners rescued from the illegal POGO hub were former employees of the controversial Lucky South 99, previously located in Bamban, Tarlac, and Porac, Pampanga.
PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio confirmed on Wednesday, September 4, that around two-thirds of the 169 rescued employees were from these areas.
Notably, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan, a strong supporter of VP Sara, was absent during the raid.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — House Majority Leader and Lakas-CMD Executive Vice President Mannix Dalipe has rebuffed Senator Imee Marcos for spreading the supposed list of senatorial bets of Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas (APBP), reiterating that the administration has not yet finalized its lineup for the 2025 midterm elections.
“As Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr., National President of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, already clarified, the administration has not yet finalized its senatorial lineup,” Dalipe said in a statement on Thursday (22 August 2024).
On Tuesday (20 August 2024), Sen. Imee disclosed the line-up of senatorial candidates who will be endorsed by her brother President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in the 2025 national and local elections.
Dalipe clarified that in a meeting where political parties supporting the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., they were asked to submit their respective nominees by September 15.
“However, it is important to emphasize that any list circulating at this point is not official and should be regarded as speculative,” Dalipe pointed out.
He added that following the submission deadline, party leaders will carefully evaluate the nominations and engage in thorough deliberations to finalize the Alyansa’s senatorial lineup.
“This collective decision-making process ensures that we present the strongest and most capable candidates to the electorate, fully aligned with our shared vision for the country.We urge everyone to remain patient and allow the process to unfold. Rest assured, the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas is committed to selecting candidates who embody our vision for a better future for all Filipinos,” Dalipe concluded.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Imee Marcos has defended Vice President Sara Duterte on her travel amid the onslaught of Typhoon Carina in the country.
“Matagal ng plano ‘yun at hindi naman niya alam na may bagyo. Pambihira naman,” Marcos said.
“Nakita naman natin ang unang umaksyon ang OVP. Sa totoo lang, nagkalat na ‘yung mga naka-preposition na pagkain, gamot, damit, ikinalat na sa iba’t ibang lugar. Palagay ko, talagang nakatutok naman sila,” the senator added.
thanks The Office of the Vice President explained that Duterte’s departure received the necessary approvals, as evidenced by the travel authority issued by the Office of the President.
Metro Manila is one of the areas severely affected by heavy rains.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Unlike presidential sister Senator Imee Marcos who announced to all and sundry her unwavering support for Vice President Sara Duterte after the latter resigned as Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary, former President and Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has chosen not to comment on the matter.
“I understand the vice-president did not give a reason for resigning from the Cabinet. Thus, I am not in a position to give a statement,” Politiko.com quoted Arroyo as saying.
FPGMA has been widely regarded as the political mentor of VP Sara.
In 2018, then Davao City Mayor Sara even “maneuvered” the removal of Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez as Speaker of the 17th Congress subsequently installing Arroyo.
On the other hand, Senator Imee proudly declared her “undying” support for VP Sara despite the past incident when Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte voiced his mistrust of her as if she is akin to the proverbial Trojan horse.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
Senator Imee Marcos said that banning government officials from using “wang-wang” or siren and blinkers is “unrealistic” as foreign government visitors should not be waiting in the traffic.
“The use of sirens and other signaling device should not be banned outright but should be heavily regulated,” Marcos said.
“There are valid uses for these types of equipment,” she said.
The senator said that banning such use should be depending on the situation.
“Maganda naman yung outright ban sa ating wang-wang pero para sa akin hindi makatotohanan yung outright dahil alam naman natin may mga okasyon, kung dumadaan ang presidente halimbawa ang mismong pangulo at kapag may bisita tayo na heads of state din galing sa labas alangan naman nating paghintayin sa traffic. Huwag namang ganun,” Marcos said.
“Yung blanket authority naman, AFP, PNP, eh baka naman hindi emergency yon e siguro naman pwede ring i-fine tune yung pagkasulat,” she added.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
Senator Imee Marcos has filed a bill which seeks to extend the term of barangay officials to six years, saying that three years for a term is “too short.”
According to Senate Bill 2629, all elected barangay officials shall have six years to serve from current three years.
Officials shall not serve for more than two consecutive terms in the same position.
“The present term of three years is far too short for these officials to see their own projects through, since they spend the greater portion of their terms implementing the policies and projects of the National Government and as well as those of the city, municipal, or provincial government units,” Marcos said in her explanatory note.
“An equally important reason to fix longer terms of office for barangay officials is to enable the national government to save billions of pesos,” she added.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Imee Marcos announced on Thursday (14 March 2024) that her mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, has been discharged from the hospital.
“[She] was discharged yesterday (Wednesday)… She will be taking some oral medications [and] resting at home,” the lady lawmaker said.
Imelda was hospitalized due to suspected pneumonia after experiencing a cough and fever.
Earlier, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. had indicated that his mother would be discharged from the hospital on Thursday.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla announced that a total of five senators have signed a manifestation objecting to the Senate’s arrest of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
The senators who signed are Senators Cynthia Villar, Imee Marcos, Bong Go, JV Ejercito, and Padilla himself.
Padilla also disclosed that he had conversations with Sens. Grace Poe and Raffy Tulfo, who provided explanations for their decision not to support his attempt to halt Quiboloy’s detention.
Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Senators Nancy Binay, Pia Cayetano, and Mark Villar are among the other committee members who have not yet taken a position on the matter.
Earlier, Sen. Risa Hontiveros cited Quiboloy in contempt for failing to attend any of the Senate hearings on the alleged child abuse and human trafficking involving the pastor.
Villar expressed her familiarity with Quiboloy, describing him as a good person.
“Kaibigan ko si Pastor Quiboloy. Mabait siya sa aming pamilya…Matagal ko na siyang kilala. Parang ‘di naman siya ‘yung gagawa ng ganon. Kami ni Imee pareho naming siyang kilala. Pati ‘yung mga Mindanaoan. Maayos naman siya… nakakahiya naman na ako pahuhuli ko siya. Diyos ko. You don’t do that to a friend,” Villar said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Imee Marcos expressed profound sadness regarding the recent developments involving Kingdom of Jesus Christ Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, emphasizing his perceived benevolence despite the controversy.
“Lungkot na lungkot ako sa mga pangyayari tungkol sa SMNI at kay Pastor Quiboloy. Mabait siya sa atin at higit sa lahat tumutulong sa napakarami kaya’t malungkot ako na nauwi sa ganito at sana naisaayos na lamang ito nang mas mapayapa at mas tahimik na pamamaraan,” Marcos conveyed.
The Senate has issued a subpoena against Quiboloy, compelling his attendance in the investigation regarding alleged child abuse and human trafficking.
Earlier, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. urged Quiboloy to participate in the legislative inquiry.
“I would just advise him that, just, kung mayroon naman siyang sasabihin, if … he has an opportunity in the hearings both in the House (of Representatives) and the Senate to say his side of the story. Kaya po sinasabi niya, hindi totoo lahat ‘yan, hindi totoo, walang nangyayaring ganiyan, ‘di sabihin niya,” Marcos stated.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Imee Marcos revealed that billions of pesos meant for pensioners and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were removed and transferred to Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
In the 2024 General Appropriations Act, the Pension and Gratuity Fund had an allocation of P253 billion in the National Expenditure Program decreased to P143 billion.
Meanwhile, P5.4 billion was deducted from the funds of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the funds allocated to the flagship projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) were completely removed.
The senator made it clear that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. had nothing to do with the controversial new program of the DSWD.
“The President did not mention AKAP in the NEP, nor was it in the bicameral version of the [General Appropriations Act], yet it appeared in the final, printed version,” Marcos emphasized.
AKAP had P26.7 billion in national funds this year.
Marcos added that in addition to the P33 billion inserted by the House members, saying that AKAP has a total fund of almost P60 billion.
(el Amigo/MNM)