Senator Imee Marcos on Saturday said she was withdrawing from the senatorial lineup of the administration for the upcoming 2025 midterm elections.
Former Senator Panfilo Lacson also declared he is running as an independent candidate despite his inclusion in the senatorial ticket of President Marcos.
“My sincere thanks to President Bongbong who, despite the anger and extreme cruelty of some, defended me and even included me in the alliance. I decided to stand up alone so that my brother would not be put at risk, so that my true friends don’t cast doubt,” Senator Marcos said.
The presidential sister was absent during the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas convention where the administration’s senatorial slate was unveiled.
Alyansa campaign manager Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco said the alliance holds Senator Marcos in high regard, given her advocacies and track record in public service.
“Alyansa will continue to support Senator Imee to ensure the success of the legislative agenda of President Marcos, which aim for inclusive growth that leaves no one behind,” Tiangco said in a statement.
Lacson, for his part, said he is proud to be part of the administration alliance even if he is running as an independent candidate.
“I am running as an independent candidate, not being a member of a political party. I am a guest candidate of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), which is part of an alliance of five major political parties that includes the administration’s Partido Federal ng Pilipinas,” he said.
“Make no mistake – I am proud to be part of a grand alliance of our country’s five major political parties. I have no doubt in my mind that should I win next year, President Marcos fully recognizes my consistent role as a fiscalizer guided only by our shared motto to fight for what is right and to fight what is wrong,” Lacson said.
Lacson had said he and former Senate President Vicente Sotto III would file their certificate of candidacy on Oct. 2.
Meanwhile, lawyer Chel Diokno was declared by Akbayan party-list as its first nominee for next year’s polls.
“It is an honor to represent Akbayan and push for its principles and buckle down on protecting the welfare of the Filipino people, upholding our democracy and holding the corrupt accountable,” Diokno said.
“From the beginning, we carefully examined all possible avenues to best serve our people. After thorough reflection, we determined that running under the partylist system is not only a principled choice but also the most pragmatic path to effectively confront the forces of corruption and injustice,” he added.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Imee withdraws from President Marcos’ admin coalition 2025 Senate slate.”
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