Imee Marcos decision to leave Alyansa is OK – Palace

Sen. Imee Marcos —File photo by Noy Morcoso | INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Imee Marcos made the right decision to withdraw from the administration-backed Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas if her principles no longer align with those of the group, Undersecretary Claire Castro of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in a briefing on Thursday.

“For now, it was she who said she was withdrawing from the Alyansa because, according to her, their goals and advocacy may not be the same,” Castro said in Filipino.

“If her beliefs are really not aligned with those of the Alyansa, it might be best for her to leave because if she does not believe in the Alliance’s programs, a good relationship will not be possible,” she added.

READ: Imee Marcos leaves Bongbong-backed Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas

This developed after Senator Marcos launched a probe into the arrest of her close friend and ally, former President Rodrigo Duterte.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. did not mention her sister when he announced the Alyansa slate during a campaign rally in Cavite last Friday.

In Thursday’s briefing, Castro was also asked whether Senator Marcos’ withdrawal signaled a rift between her and the president, given speculation that the latter was upset over her decision to lead the investigation into Duterte’s arrest.

“We haven’t heard any statement from the president. Only she [Senator Marcos] has been speaking about such matters. Perhaps that is her perspective, but as for the president, we have not heard anything,” Ca

Duterte was arrested at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on March 11 and detained at Villamor Air Base the same day. He has since arrived in The Hague, where he is currently being held.

The former president had his pretrial hearing on March 14. His confirmation of charges is scheduled for September 23, and he may appeal for an interim release before that date.