In a surprising twist ahead of the 2025 elections, Senator Imee Marcos announced her withdrawal from her brother, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s, senatorial lineup under the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas coalition. On September 28, two days after the administration revealed its 12-member slate, Imee issued a video statement explaining her decision to stand independently, sparking questions about political loyalty, independence, and the lingering shadows of family ties.

Standing Alone
Imee’s declaration signals her desire to separate herself from the political dynamics surrounding her brother's administration. In her statement, Imee emphasized her decision was meant to avoid putting her sibling in a difficult position. She also sought to prevent any doubt among her “true friends” who may be wary of her association with the coalition.

"Minabuti kong tumindig mag-isa upang huwag nang malagay sa alanganin ang aking ading, para 'wag nang mag-alinlangan ang aking mga tunay na kaibigan," she said, subtly acknowledging underlying tensions within her brother’s political network.

This move comes as no surprise to political observers, especially after the cracks within the UniTeam alliance became more pronounced following clashes between President Marcos’s allies and supporters of Vice President Sara Duterte. Imee, despite her loyalty to her brother, has often appeared at odds with his political allies, making her decision to chart her own course a strategic attempt to balance her familial obligations with her political aspirations.

The Shadow of Dynastic Politics
Imee’s decision to break away from the slate touches on the broader issue of political dynasties in the Philippines. The Marcos family remains one of the most powerful political clans in the country, and Imee's continued presence in the Senate has always been tied to her family legacy. Despite this, her withdrawal is a clear attempt to position herself as an independent figure, one who claims loyalty not to a group, but to every Filipino. In her statement, she expressed a desire to remain “free and loyal,” stressing her adherence to the values instilled by her father, the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

"Pinipili ko na lamang manatiling malaya at tapat — hindi sa isang grupo, kundi sa bawat Pilipino," she declared, positioning herself as an independent candidate ready to rely on her legislative achievements rather than her family name.

However, it remains to be seen whether this narrative of independence will resonate with the electorate or backfire. Her withdrawal could alienate key supporters of the administration while failing to convince skeptical voters who still associate her with the Marcos brand of governance.

A Calculated Move or a Gambit?
Imee Marcos has always been a political strategist. Her support for the Dutertes during the fallout with House Speaker Martin Romualdez, a first cousin, was a clear indication that she is willing to play on multiple fronts. Now, as she distances herself from her brother's ticket, the question arises: where will she align herself next? Some speculate she could seek support from the PDP-Laban camp, led by the Dutertes, or even ally herself with the Kwin Bee Hugpong faction, depending on how the political landscape shifts in the coming months.

However, this gamble may backfire. In trying to have the best of both worlds—remaining loyal to her brother while carving her own path—she risks alienating both camps. The political alliances in the Philippines are often fickle, and any sign of disloyalty can easily result in a loss of support from crucial political players.

The Trajano Case: A Lingering Shadow
Beyond her political maneuvering, one aspect of Imee’s past remains unresolved: the case of Archimedes Trajano. Trajano was a student activist whose death in 1977 has been linked to Imee Marcos during her father’s martial law regime. This case has been a persistent thorn in her political career, particularly among those who remember the brutality of the Marcos dictatorship.

Although Imee has consistently denied involvement, the Trajano case remains a point of contention for many. Her withdrawal from her brother’s party and attempt to present herself as an independent candidate may be a move to distance herself from the political baggage associated with her family’s rule. Yet, without addressing this unresolved issue, she may continue to face criticism and skepticism from those who demand accountability.

A Battle of Loyalties and Legacies
As Imee Marcos prepares to run for re-election, her decision to go independent underscores the complex relationships within the Marcos political dynasty. She remains a formidable candidate, ranked 7th to 15th in the most recent Octa survey, and her legislative record will likely be central to her campaign. But her withdrawal from her brother's slate raises important questions about loyalty, independence, and the future of Philippine politics.

Will her attempt to distance herself from the Marcos administration strengthen her appeal to voters seeking change? Or will it expose the fractures within the powerful Marcos-Duterte alliance, leaving her politically vulnerable? As the 2025 elections draw near, Imee's next steps will be watched closely by both her supporters and critics.

In the end, her ability to navigate these challenges will determine whether her gamble pays off—or whether her bid for independence backfires in the face of political reality. The shadow of the past still looms large over Imee Marcos, and how she handles both her family legacy and her political future will define her place in the country’s political landscape.

(Tambuli Ng Bayan - Ronnie Estrada)
#PhilippinePolitics #ImeeMarcos