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)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Senior Deputy Speaker Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. urged Senator Imee Marcos to support her brother, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., in amending the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.
Gonzales pointed out that the success of the Marcos administration would also be the success of the country.
“If I were Senator – especially being Senator Imee’s sibling, I would support the Marcos administration because the success of her brother is synonymous with the success of our country, and this pertains solely to economic provisions, without political implications. That’s what I can say,” Gonzales said.
The lawmaker emphasized that Marcos’s programs and policies aim to improve the lives of all Filipinos.
“We’re all on the same boat or cruise ship called M/S Philippines. Why can’t she just help her brother succeed? The President is the duly-elected head of the Republic with a resounding 31 million votes – the highest in history,” he said.
“This amendment is for the good of the country, focusing solely on the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution, as clearly stated in Senate Resolution of Both Houses 6,” Gonzales added.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Imee Marcos has submitted a resolution to investigate the presence of various intergovernmental organizations in the Philippines.
In Senate Resolution 927, Marcos specifically targets the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the United Nations (UN).
Marcos asserts that the presence of these organizations in the country poses a threat to the independence and sovereignty of the Philippines.
She also referenced the purported visit of ICC investigators to the Philippines last December to collect evidence as part of their probe into the previous administration’s “war on drugs.”
Additionally, Marcos highlighted that despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s statements that the ICC no longer holds jurisdiction in the country, the ICC’s investigation has allegedly persisted.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Short of telling her that she’s just a drama queen, Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte has clarified that his apology to Senator Imee Marcos in a Facebook post was only out of pity for her and not for his daring call for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. to resign if he does not have love and aspirations for the Philippines.
“Madame Imee, linawin ko lang kasi ginagamit mo na sa drama mo diyan sa media. Humingi ako ng tawad dahil naawa ako sayo, hindi dahil sa mga sinabi ko tungkol sa kapatid mo na presidente,” the Davao City mayor wrote on Facebook.
Mayor Baste blatantly told Sen. Marcos to stop using him in her “jamming”.
“Undangi kog gamit ana imong mga jamming. Gipa lampas na taka kausa pero banha gihapon kayka (Tigilan mo ako sa paggamit sa mga jamming mo. Pinalampas kita minsan pero nag-iingay ka pa rin),” the younger Duterte said, evidently pissed off.
Senator Imee earlier claimed that Mayor Baste had said “sorry” to her following his resignation call to the President.
“Ang lumapit sa akin ay si Mayor Baste Duterte. Nagsorry nang nagsorry,” she said.
She added: “Naintindihan ko naman, syempre sobrang emosyonal siya syempre isipin mo naman e ikukulong ang tatay at ate mo. Talaga namang magrerebolusyon ang inyong damdamin.”
Reports said that investigators from the International Criminal Court (ICC) have already entered the country to probe the “crimes against humanity” charges against FPRRD and the alleged involvement of Vice President Sara Duterte in the extra-judicial killings (EJKs) of thousands of victims in the course of anti-illegal drugs campaign of the previous administration.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Talking of bizarre contradictions, presidential sister Senator Imee Marcos on Wednesday (31 Jan 2024) admitted that the UniTeam, the party of then-senator Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and then Davao City mayor Sara Duterte during the 2022 elections, has “cracks” but claimed that her younger brother “Bonget” or now popularly known as PBBM and Inday Sara, monicker of the Vice President, are still on good terms.
“Palagay ko ang Uniteam may tama na, may lamat na pagkakaisa. Pero sa palagay ko yung mga principal ‘di naman magulo,” Sen. Marcos said during a press conference.
She hinted that only the sycophants or “sipsip” in Tagalog colloquial — who she did not name — are the ones sowing intrigues and divisiveness.
“Ang magulo ‘yung mga amuyong sa tabi-tabi, yung mga demonyo at ahas sa laylayan dyan sa Palasyo,” the lady senator from Ilocos Norte said.
For her part, VP Duterte, in a post on Facebook on Monday (January 29), said her brother, Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte who dared PBBM to resign, only made the remarks out of “brotherly love coupled with the common sentiment that I do not deserve the despicable treatment that I am receiving from some sectors within the circle of the President.”
Sen. Marcos, however, refused to take sides between PBBM and FPRRD as they accused each other of being drug addicts.
The former president (FPRRD) even challenged PBBM to simultaneously take a drug test in public at the Luneta (Rizal Park in Manila) at a press conference on Wednesday (31 Jan 2024) in Davao City.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Imee Marcos, elder sister of President Ferdinand “Bongbong Marcos Jr., said Sunday (28 Jan 2024) she is a bit astonished about her brother’s push to amend the 1987 Constitution.
“Nagugulat lang ako. Kilala ko ang aking kapatid at parang nakatali siya. Hindi ko maintindihan paano nabihag ang aking kapatid sa mga kung ano-anong demonyo diyan,” Marcos said.
“Hay naku. Talagang hindi maganda itong mga pangyayari,” the lawmaker added.
The older Marcos said that her brother should not listen to “devils” in Malacañang.
“Sana ang aking kapatid, ‘wag nang pansinin kasi lumaki na kami sa ganyan. ‘Wag makikinig sa mga demonyo sa Palasyo. Maraming demonyo diyan—dalawang paa at ‘yung iba naman mumu,” she said.
Earlier, the President ordered Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri to lead the review of 1987 Constitution.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriani
MANILA — Senator Imee Marcos on Saturday (27 Jan 2024) said she is opposed to “their people’s initiative as it is a people’s initiative by the House of Representatives.”
“Talagang nanindigan ang Senado na di kami payag sa cha-cha, charter change na sinasabi, hindi rin kami payag sa P.I., tutol po kami dito sa P.I. nila,” Marcos, elder sister of President Bongbong Marcos, said.
“Sa pangalan pa ay pangit-pangit na, yang pekeng initiative na sinusuhulan ang tao tinatakot, tapos inaalukan ng kung ano, ang kaperahan ng DSWD, ng DOH ng DOLE. Hindi sa nakikipag-away ako, nagbibigay lang ako ng aking pasya at ang ating sinasabi eh sana wag namang gawing ganun nilalapastangan ang karapatan ng taumbayan,” she added.
Meanwhile, Sen. Joel Villanueva said that the Senate would support amending the Constitution if it would be initiated by the people.
“Kami po sa Senado kung totoo po ang people’s initiative, eh ok lang po yun kahit ano pa ho ang gusto ng taumbayan. Kung gusto man ng taumbayan na dalhin sa impyerno ang bayan okay pa rin po yun kasi taumbayan pala ang may gusto nun eh, kahit na hindi kami for, kahit against kami dun,” Villanueva said.
“Pero kung kitang-kita itong ginagawa itong pekeng initiative ay supported ng liderato ng Kamara, kargado ng mga programa ng pamahalaan kargado ng salapi ng bayan, yun po talaga ang nakaka-concern sa aming lahat,” he added.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Imee Marcos said that the House Speaker Martin Romualdez was involved on the signature campaign for the people’s initiative for Charter change.
“Napakaraming text, utos, napakaraming form, lahat nanggaling sa kanila. Yung schedule, yung timeline, yung form, clearly derives from the Speaker’s office… Kumpleto pa yung pangalan ng kaniyang mga assistant, si Atty. ‘ek-ek’ at yung isang staff member, maliwanag naman kung san galing,” she said.
Marcos said that she have reached this decision after seeing the alleged paper trail of materials and other documents pertaining to the people’s initiative.
President Bongbong Marcos’ elder sister pointed out that the office of the House Speaker offered at least P20 million per district foe tue signature campaign.
“Definitely opisina niya ang nag-alok ng P20 million kada distrito, definitely galing sa kanila yung timeline na July tapos na ang lahat… That derived from his office with very clear numbers identifying the staff members at attorneys involved,” she said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Imee Marcos disclosed that House Speaker Martin Romualdez harbored resentment towards her for supporting the Duterte camp.
“Si Speaker, alam ko may tampo sa akin mula pa noong October. Bakit ako kumakampi sa mga Duterte? Sabi ko, hindi ako kumakampi. Sa akin lang, kasamahan natin ‘yan, kaalyado natin ‘yan, higit sa lahat, kaibigan na wala namang ginagawang masama. Bakit natin aawayin?” Marcos stated.
“Nasa kasagsagan noong October nung confidential ek-ek, tsaka ICC—lahat ng issues sa mag-amang Duterte. Sabi ko nga, bakit natin inaaway? Di ko ma-gets,” the senator added.
Marcos, however, clarified that she has not harbored ill feelings towards Romualdez, emphasizing that they are merely performing their duties.
“Trabaho lang ito, hindi naman ako galit sa kanya. Ang problema talaga, hindi kami magkasundo sa pananaw, at hindi ako naniniwala na ang pinakaimportanteng bagay sa buhay ng Pilipino ngayon ay ang pagbabago ng Konstitusyon. Hindi ‘yun ang pinagaabalahan ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” she remarked.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
Senator Imee Marcos emphasized the necessity for the Senate to adopt a clear stance on the proposed amendment to the 1987 Constitution.
“It’s essential because it seems like the Senate is being bypassed. Can it be that the Constitution will be changed, and they’re the only ones talking about it? It’s quite unclear,” Marcos expressed.
The lady senator mentioned that the Senate held an executive session on Wednesday to discuss the push for using people’s initiative to amend the 1987 Constitution.
“I wasn’t able to attend the executive session, but I know it’s related to the people’s initiative because the senators are quite busy with the events, and it caught them by surprise,” she explained.
Earlier, Albay 2nd District Rep. Edcel Lagman revealed that a P14 billion item was added to the 2024 General Appropriations Act in the bicameral conference committee to fund the Charter Change.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Imee Marcos has called for a Senate inquiry into the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) modernization program.
In Senate Resolution 893, Marcos emphasized that “the country cannot afford a transport crisis, especially as the economy is still recovering from the impact of the pandemic.”
She noted, “For traditional jeepney drivers and operators, the deadline is uncomfortably close for complying with consolidation requirements such as necessary documents, membership fees in cooperatives, funds to secure stocks in corporations, and other prerequisites. Moreover, these membership fees or stocks pose a heavy burden for some PUV drivers and operators.”
Marcos expressed concern about the “alarming number of PUVs failing to consolidate,” emphasizing that this issue requires attention as it will adversely impact commuters and the country’s public transportation system.
This call for a Senate inquiry follows Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III’s demand for an indefinite halt to the execution of the PUV upgrade program.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. had previously stated that there would be no extension of the December 31, 2023 deadline for the application for the consolidation of jeepney operators into cooperatives.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Imee Marcos expressed her profound support for the proposed discussion between President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and former President Rodrigo Duterte regarding the investigation involving Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI).
“Now is the time! As I’ve mentioned, who’s afraid of SMNI? Or perhaps, who’s afraid of [former] President Duterte? He is a revered and beloved leader whose wise counsel will always be beneficial to the country,” remarked Senator Marcos.
“There’s nothing wrong with listening to good advice, especially when it comes from a former President,” the lady lawmaker added.
Earlier, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) stated that President Marcos is always available to meet with Duterte.
“President Marcos is consistently available to former President Duterte. The President will contact him shortly to inquire about his interest in a meeting,” stated Communications Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Gerry Lirio
EACH time Sen. Imee Marcos opens her mouth on issues surrounding Malacanang, you get that feeling that not all is well with her, her brother President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and his wife, First Lady Liza Marcos-Araneta, if not in the entire Marcos family.
We do not hear anything derogatory on Imee from the Palace, nothing from her younger brother, nothing from the First Lady. Well, nothing in public.
But the Palace and its rah-rah boys would always get a mouthful from Senator Marcos.
When sought for her comment about the plan of the House of Representatives to amend the 1987 Constitution, Imee Marcos minced no words to show her displeasure.
Said Imee: “Baka may gustong maging prime minister na hindi (mananalo) sa presidente?” Ouch! The President’s most trusted man, their cousin Speaker Martin Romualdez, must have felt slighted. Who else?
Cory Constitution
But we did not hear Imee say something in defense of the Cory Aquino’s 1987 Constitution. Nothing on the issues the House was supposed to tackle. Not that we care.
“(They are) so stubborn,” Senator Marcos was quoted to have said in response to the House plan. “(PBBM already said that it (was) not timely because we should focus on people’s livelihood and bring down the price of rice and other commodities. The Senate has rejected that twice, why insist?”
Tell that to Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman, the man who has seen so many administrations since Congress rose in 1987 from the dark years of her father’s dictatorship.
Lagman said the President has given his “covert assent” to the initiative in the House of Representatives despite his public pronouncement that charter change was not his priority. Would Congress push for it without the President’s nod? he asked. No, of course. Lagman knows better.
Cha-cha rolling?
The Cha-cha caravan is rolling in the House of Representatives, he told a morning TV interview.
But why did Imee sound so unkind? We do not believe it was about constitutional amendments. She was never in our list of defenders of the Cory Constitution. And she never paid attention to House leaders that they wanted economic reforms to alleviate poverty. Not that we believe them, this early.
Why? All Imee’s statements give credence to longtime suspicions that she and First Lady Liza Marcos-Araneta have long been at odds, that she had kept the senator out of the loop, out of her brother’s official affairs, beginning or even before the 2022 presidential campaign, and up until now that he is the country’s chief executive.
He said, she said
When President Marcos vetoed on his first day in office a bill that she sponsored that would have created a special economic zone in Bulacan, Imee showed she was willing to dicker with anyone, including her own brother, unmindful of the euphoria of the return of the Marcoses in Malacanang. Well, Imee is not the President, and the First Lady is the chief PSG at the Palace. Make no mistake.
“I do not know anything,” she said of her brother’s decision. “It is just that this administration is just new, so this may be just a hasty decision by someone who did not see the legislative process that the bill had to go through, all those hearings that studied the bill.”
Not that we agree with her. If anything, it only showed that brother and sister were not seeing eye to eye, to say the least. A phone call would have settled some issues.
Like it or not, Imee lives in a Glass House.
The young Imee
She is her father’s daughter, for all the tall tales surrounding her since birth. She is a Marcos. And until her brother dreamt and won the presidency, she was largely believed, beginning in the 1970s when she entered law school, to be the one to harbor presidential ambition. Whatever Imee wanted; Imee got.
That was how people saw her. That was the 1970s, the beginning of martial law. She did enter the law school, and inside the UP campus, everybody was staring at her in awe or in fear: She could then be the next president, they thought.
In a speaking engagement on campus sometime in August 1977, a student asked Imee about the family wealth. The question displeased her. In no time, the student later identified as Archimedes Trajano disappeared without a trace. He was later found dead, his skull broken. Imee denied any part in the killing.
Judge Manuel Real, who heard the Trajano case in the Class Suit filed in Hawaii after the Edsa revolution, allowed the remains of Trajano to be dug up and sent to Hawaii where they were examined by a forensic pathologist. The pathologist brought the remains during the hearing and displayed them, including Trajano’s cracked skull.
Trajano’s skull
Looking directly at Judge Real, the pathologist explained how violent blows shattered Trajano’s skull.
“As the blackened skull was lifted by the pathologist from a Tupperware container,” American human rights lawyer Robert Swift recalled, “there was an audible wailing from Trajano’s mother and relatives in the courtroom.”
Shocked, Real subsequently ordered Imee to pay the Trajanos more than $4 million in compensatory and punitive damages. But Imee managed to fly to Morocco and evade the hearing on damages. She never paid any part of the judgment, and Mrs. Trajano, the mother of the victim, died in poverty a few years later.
A few years back, the confidante of her mother, Cherry Cobarrubias, and Imee figured in a screaming match over Imee’s refusal to implement her father’s last will to give a huge portion of the Marcos wealth back to the Filipino people. She cried to her mother, but according to Cobarrubias, the mother ignored her. Mrs. Marcos wanted to implement the late President’s last will, too, she told this newsman.
Governor Imee
Sometime in July 2018, the House Committee on Good Government, then chaired by Rep. Johnny Pimentel, recommended the filing of administrative and criminal cases against Imee and other officials of Ilocos Norte for the alleged anomalous purchase of 110 units of Foton minicabs worth P64.5 million, the recommendation came after months of the House investigation on allegations of misuse of Ilocos Norte’s share of tobacco excise taxes.
Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales was among those who sought the investigation; the recommendation has since been forgotten, gone with the winds.
We wonder what the House leaders feel about her now. Congress has never been kind either to people who showed them boorishness. Since her father’s time, and Imee knows it, the House has been at Malacanang’s beck and call. Not a good time to quarrel with the brother-President and the First Lady? But then again, it may not be as simple as that.
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — The protesting groups in the transport sector have found a passionate ally in presidential sister Senator Imee Marcos who lambasted the December 31 deadline this year for the public utility vehicles (PUVs) to get consolidated and to join transport cooperatives or corporations.
“Malawakang transport strike ang babati sa taumbayan mula ika-29 ng Disyembre hanggang sa pagpasok ng bagong taon. Maawa tayo sa mga tsuper at operator, sa mga commuter, trabahador, at estudyante, sa negosyo, at maliliit na negosyanteng umaasa sa jeep at PUV,” she lamented.
At the same time, Sen. Imee noted that the modern jeepney with Euro 4-compliant engine is “too expensive” at P2.5 million per unit for the ordinary jeepney driver, who also has to deal with soaring gas prices.
“Sino bang may ayaw ng bagong sasakyan? Pero sino naman, sa hirap ng buhay ngayon, ang may pambayad?” the lady senator from Ilocos Norte asked.
Senator Imee pointed out that the government subsidy for affected drivers at P210,000 to P280,000 is “just a fraction” of the P2.5 million cost of the modern jeepney.
On Thursday (December 28), Sen. Marcos said she also worries for the commuting public whose holidays were spoiled by the strike waged by drivers who opposed the traditional jeepney phase-out.
She questioned why drivers and operators are compelled to consolidate into cooperatives.
“At bakit nga ba pipilitin ang libu-libong operator at drayber na mag-myembro ng transport coop? Kung ngayon may-ari at maliit na negosyante ang turing sa kanila, sa ilalim ng coop magiging hamak na empleyado na lang ba sila?” she asked.
The presidential sister also expressed apprehension that the use of modern jeepneys would eventually increase the transport fare.
“Sa laki ng gagastusin para bumili ng bagong sasakyan, magkano naman ang itataas ng pamasahe?” she asked.
(IAmigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Imee Marcos has advocated for the continuous enforcement of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to prohibit the use of firecrackers, as outlined in Executive Order (EO) 28.
This statement comes in the wake of Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos urging local government units to restrict the use of firecrackers and establish designated areas for fireworks displays.
“The current administration is obliged to reinforce the existing EO,” remarked the senator. “Until there is a new directive from the Executive that supersedes EO 28-2017, it remains imperative for the administration to uphold it.”
Marcos also conveyed her support for the “sound reasoning” behind EO 28, which aims to prevent the “misuse of firecrackers” that could swiftly transform a celebration into a medical emergency or even a tragedy.
(IAmigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Despite the public stance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. supporting the easing of restrictive economic provisions in the Constitution to allow for more foreign investments ostensibly for economic development, his big sister Senator Marcos has remained adamant against charter change or “Cha-Cha”.
The lady senator from Ilocos Norte — rumored to be eyeing as the running mate of Vice President Sara Duterte of Davao City in the 2028 presidential race — said she was surprised by PBBM’s proverbial change of heart because she thought they both agreed earlier that “Cha-Cha” is just a distraction from the country’s more pressing problems.
“Ako mismo, hindi ko ipagtatanggol yang Aquino na Konstitusyon. Siyempre Marcos ako. Maraming probisyon diyan talagang paghihiganti, paninigurado na wala nang Marcos na uupo,” Senator Marcos said in an ambush interview on Friday, December 15.
Earlier, she also ribbed her cousin Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez for pushing for “Cha-Cha” in 2004, hinting that just because he couldn’t win in presidential elections he wanted to become a Prime Minister.
Romualdez, however, only echoed PBBM’s preference for the tinkering of economic provisions in the Constitution and did not mention a shift to a unitary parliamentary system that will have a Prime Minister as head of government.
Senator Imee stressed that “Cha-Cha” should not be the government’s priority now as the country is still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
(ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Claiming that the time is not yet ripe to change the 1987 Constitution, Senator Imee Marcos on Friday, December 15, said charter change (Cha-Cha) only distracts the government from addressing the real problems in the country.
The presidential sister remarked as President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. said Charter change should focus on attracting investors in the country.
“Pero ang totoo, hindi talaga napapanahon dahil ang dami nating problema ngayon. Kaka-recover lang natin sa pandemic, pabalik na naman, paikot-ikot ‘yang virus na ‘yan, at hindi pa sapat talaga ang pagbangon at pagbigay ng trabaho sa taumbayan,” Senator Imee stressed.
On Wednesday, December 13, without directly mentioning the name of her cousin Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez who is now pushing for charter change, Senator Imee hinted that someone might want to be Prime Minister because the person can’t win the presidency.
Senator Imee is believed to be eyeing to be the running mate of Vice President Sara Duterte if she runs for president in 2028.
In a speech before the House adjourned its session until January 22, 2024, Romualdez bared that Cha-cha was needed to unlock the country’s potential as an investment destination.
“Next year, we will focus our attention on studying and reviewing proposals that deal with the restrictions blocking the entry of foreign capital and investment in the Philippines,” Romualdez said.
Diskarteng Pinoy
Diskarteng Pinoy, a regional party in Region 7 seeking Comelec registration and eventual accreditation as a party-list for 2025 polls, has strongly supported Romualdez’s Cha-Cha plans.
However, it also urged Congress to consider shifting to a unitary parliamentary system of government to speed up the passage of laws to propel economic development and curtail legislative operational expenses.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Imee Marcos on Friday (08 Dec 2023) expressed the view that the government should take legal action against those involved in smuggling agricultural products.
Marcos stressed that merely conducting raids is insufficient; legal cases should be initiated.
“The government should go after smugglers. Enough with the photo ops and raids; let’s file cases. Let’s apprehend the smugglers,” the senator urged.
“It appears that some smugglers may also be operating as legal importers, falsely declaring shortages,” she added.
Emphasizing the importance of investing in agriculture, Marcos pointed out the need for infrastructure improvements.
“We need to invest in agricultural infrastructure. Just consider our irrigation systems and dams. Angat Dam, Magat Dam, Pantabangan—these are outdated,” she stated.
“We should prioritize buying locally because if we heavily depend on imports, what happens when there’s no one available to sell them to us? While we may import as necessary, we must minimize these imports, especially during the harvest season,” the senator concluded.
(ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Short of saying that the Philippines shouldn’t always toe the line of the United States, maverick Senator Imee Marcos has warned of a possible fallout from Arab nations as a result of the Philippines’ decision to abstain from a UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolution calling for a truce in Gaza.
The combative senator from Ilocos Norte noted the cozy ties between the United States and the administration of her brother President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. could also affect the country’s negotiations in the conflict.
“Our alliance with the United States and its foreign policies in the ongoing conflict complicate our own,” Senator Marcos averred.
In a statement on Monday, November 27, Marcos pointed out that the Philippines’ move to abstain from a UNGA resolution calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas “has not gone unnoticed” among Arab nations.
Maharlika NuMedia gathered from the ABC News Report on Nov. 24 that: “Among American voters 18 to 34 years old, 52% of respondents in the Nov. 16 Quinnipiac poll said their sympathies lie more with the Palestinians, while 29 percent said they were sympathetic to the Israelis. The numbers indicated a sharp reversal from October when 41% said the Israelis had their sympathies and 26% said they were sympathetic to the Palestinians.”
Reports from various sources said at least 14,800 Palestinians — mostly women and children — in Gaza have been killed, per the Ministry of Health in Hamas-run Gaza.
In contrast, Israel’s death toll from the Oct. 7 Hamas attack stands at 1,200, according to Israeli officials. They claimed the majority of deaths were civilians.
Civilians are being killed in Gaza more quickly “than in even the deadliest moments of U.S.-led attacks in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan, which were themselves widely criticized by human rights groups,” experts told the New York Times.
To recall, Philippine Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Antonio Lagdameo explained before the UNGA’s Oct. 27 emergency special session that the Philippines abstained from the vote because the resolution failed to condemn Hamas as responsible for the Oct. 7 attacks, which killed four Filipinos.
The UNGA resolution was adopted after 120 countries voted in its favor, with 14 against, and 45 abstentions, including the Philippines.
Sen. Marcos, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed apprehension that the Philippine abstention could affect future negotiations on the release of Filipino hostages.
“But Filipino interests come first and must be upheld,” she maintained.
(ai/mnm)