In a stunning public rebuke that has sent shockwaves through Filipino politics, Senator Imee Marcos has broken ranks with her own brother, President Bongbong Marcos, declaring his administration has lost its way. The rare family rift at the highest levels of government has exposed growing tensions within the powerful Marcos dynasty and signals potential turmoil ahead for the Philippines’ political landscape.
Sister Turns Critic: A Family Political Drama Unfolds
During an online press briefing Tuesday, Senator Imee’s voice quavered with emotion as she delivered her pointed critique. “Maybe people will understand me — the administration is no longer on the right track, and I truly regret this,” she stated, describing the situation as “a huge tragedy.”
The stark condemnation from the president’s own sister comes at a particularly sensitive time, amid mounting political tensions and just before Holy Week observations across the predominantly Catholic nation. Senator Imee framed her concern in spiritual terms, saying she “always prays” for her brother to return to what she considers the proper focus of governance.
“Let’s focus on the problems of our countrymen. Let’s go back to our duties,” urged the senator, her words carrying the dual weight of family concern and political warning.
Politics Turned “Oppressive and Vengeful”
Senator Imee didn’t mince words when characterizing the current political climate under her brother’s leadership. “Politics has become oppressive and vengeful. It’s no longer acceptable,” she declared, suggesting a significant deviation from what she believes should be the administration’s priorities.
The senator’s criticism paints a picture of an administration that has strayed from its mandate to serve the Filipino people. This public family discord represents an extraordinary development in Philippine politics, where family alliances typically remain solid even amid policy disagreements.
A Brother and Sister Divided
What makes this situation particularly poignant is Senator Imee’s revelation that she hasn’t been able to speak directly with her brother about her concerns. The breakdown in communication between the siblings highlights the severity of their political differences.
Taking advantage of the approaching Holy Week, the senator called for reflection, stating, “Maybe all I can say is — let’s all reflect this Holy Week. Let’s pray that the mistakes will be corrected.”
In a moment of personal vulnerability, she added, “I also made mistakes, and sometimes I wasn’t able to communicate properly. But I hope all of us take time to reflect and return to the teachings of my father.” The reference to their father, the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., adds another complex dimension to this family drama.
Political Realignment: Breaking from the Administration
Senator Imee’s criticism didn’t emerge from nowhere. The reelectionist senator recently withdrew from the administration’s senatorial slate known as “Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas.” This marked a clear political separation from her brother’s coalition.
Her withdrawal came after she initiated a Senate probe into former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest, a move that positioned her against her brother’s administration and aligned her with the Duterte faction.
Vice President Sara Duterte Backs Senator Imee
Adding fuel to the political fire, Vice President Sara Duterte – daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte – has publicly thrown her support behind Senator Imee. In a campaign advertisement released Monday, Vice President Duterte described the current state of the Philippines as “black” due to numerous problems including crime and injustice.
The Palace swiftly responded to this characterization, suggesting that the color black would be “more fitting for the administration of former President Duterte.” This exchange reveals the deepening divide not just within the Marcos family, but between the once-allied Marcos and Duterte political forces.
A Nation Watches a Family Divide
As Holy Week approaches in the Philippines, the political landscape is anything but peaceful. Senator Imee Marcos’s public critique of her brother’s presidency represents more than family discord – it signals potential realignments in Philippine politics that could shape the country’s future.
The unusual spectacle of a president being publicly criticized by his own sister has captivated the nation’s attention, leaving many Filipinos wondering what this means for governance in the months ahead. As Senator Imee calls for reflection and return to “the right path,” the country watches to see if her brother will heed her dramatic public appeal.
