MANDAUE CITY — Sen. Imee Marcos described her relationship with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as “non-existent.”
At a press conference in Mandaue City on Saturday, Marcos said she has not seen the president for over a year.
“I don’t really go to the (family) reunions. It’s not comfortable, and I prefer my kids go if they want to go. It’s fine,” Marcos said.
Despite the strained ties, the senator said she continues to care for her brother and hopes he prioritizes his health.
She also said she remains close to their mother, the former first lady Imelda Marcos, and visits her during special family occasions, including their parents’ wedding anniversary every May 1.
Marcos also dismissed online rumors claiming the president had died as false.
She added, however, that the president has been dealing with health issues and has been in and out of hospital, contrary to earlier public denials.
She urged Malacañang to release a certified medical bulletin on the president’s condition, stressing the public’s right to accurate information.
The senator expressed concern over his condition, saying, “I’m very, very sad that he’s not being taken care of, and he’s not watching out for himself. I wish he does. There’s so much work. This is a crisis, and people need very trustworthy and determined leadership.”
Malacañang has defended or clarified allegations raised by the president’s sister.
Officials dismissed her accusations last November that the president and first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos use illegal drugs, calling them a “desperate move” meant to divert attention from corruption probes into flood control projects.
Last January, officials responded to her remarks about the president’s health by urging her to stop treating the issue as a joke.
In March, Malacañang questioned her statements, including her apology to their late father, the former president Ferdinand Marcos, for failing to “watch over” his son.
