Marcos: No ill feelings toward Imee despite years-long silence

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos confirmed yesterday that he has not spoken to his sister, Sen. Imee Marcos, for nearly three years, but stressed that he harbors no ill feelings toward her, a Palace official said.

The President’s remarks came after the senator recently described their relationship as “non-existent.”

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said she personally asked Marcos about his sister’s statement following an UPLIFT committee meeting.

“Yes, immediately after the UPLIFT committee meeting, I approached the President and asked about this comment or statement of his sister, Sen. Imee Marcos and he said ‘yes,’ they haven’t spoken for almost three years,” Castro said at a press briefing.

Providing context, Castro noted that the senator “has not been attending family gatherings (and) family events.”

When asked about the President’s reaction to his sister’s remarks, Castro said “by his body language, he was disappointed.”

Despite the apparent distance, Castro emphasized that the President does not hold any resentment.

“The President has no ill feelings towards his older sister,” she said.

Pressed on the possible reasons behind the prolonged silence, Castro declined to speculate, saying the matter should be addressed to the senator.

The strained ties come amid broader political differences, with Sen. Marcos identified as an ally of Vice President Sara Duterte. She earlier said she had not seen the President for over a year. — Alexis Romero