Imee Marcos on rumors PDP will adopt her: I don’t pay attention to it

Sen. Imee Marcos (Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB)

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Imee Marcos has confirmed hearing rumors about the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino’s (PDP) alleged plan to adopt her in their senatorial slate, but the reelectionist said she’s not paying attention to it.

Marcos made the remark in a press conference on Thursday, maintaining that she intends to remain independent.

“There are rumors that some are planning to adopt me, but I’m not paying attention to it,” Marcos said in Filipino when she was asked to comment on the rumors.

“You know, it feels good to be free, right? So right from the beginning, I’m saying that I’m an independent candidate,” she added.

Marcos was part of the administration-backed Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas.

READ: Sen. Imee Marcos leaves bro’s Alyansa ticket, cites Duterte arrest

However, following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, she ditched her brother’s senatorial slate, saying she could no longer stand on the same stage as them.

The senator previously launched a probe into Duterte’s arrest. According to her, preliminary findings following the probe showed that the administration—which her younger brother heads—took actions that ran counter to her ideals and principles.

“Over and above political advantage, the sovereignty of the country and the interest of true justice for every Filipino must remain paramount,” she said.

She then pointed out that the repeated invocation of executive privilege and the sub judice rule during the hearing held on March 20 showed the government witnesses appeared to be hiding essential facts.

“Beyond their constant narrative that the Philippines was simply complying with its international commitments, a deliberate effort to obscure the truth only gave rise to ever greater suspicion that the Constitution may have been disregarded and our sovereignty diminished by the arrest of Duterte,” she said.