First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos defended her husband, President Marcos, from criticisms that he was "under the saya" or whipped, saying she would not have given up her law firm for him if that was the case.

The First Lady said this amid criticisms and speculations that she was the one controlling the President's decisions, including policies and appointments.

In an interview with broadcaster Anthony Taberna, Araneta-Marcos said she gave up her law firm, Marcos & Associates, to support her husband in leading the country.

"You're talking about under the saya... I gave up my law firm. You know how painful that was for me?" she said during the interview which aired on Taberna's YouTube channel Friday past midnight, April 19.

According to Araneta-Marcos, she would not have dissolved her law firm if she had another agenda in becoming the First Lady.

"The original partner's agreement was I'll come back in six years. Kasi (Because) you have to divest. Inisip ko (I thought), I'll be 70 in six years. Sabi ko, sa inyo na (I told them it's theirs)," she said.

"Tapos sasabihin nila I'm smuggling, may deal kami dito (Then they'll accuse me of smuggling or having certain deals). I gave up my law firm. If you're going to do that, 'di sana I kept na lang my law firm. Mas madali pa (I should have just kept my law firm. That would be easier)," she added.

The First Lady added that she was even forced to have her own social media accounts when she assumed the role.

"Facebook and Instagram? Sa palagay mo under yun (You think that's him being whipped)?" she asked.

According to the First Lady, she even followed her husband's decision to send their kids abroad to study even if the idea of being away from them hurt her.

She explained that President Marcos wanted their sons to study in London to instill discipline in them.

"Sabi niya (He said), 'I don't want them to be entitled. Para (So) they have to take the subway, they have to take the bus,'" Araneta-Marcos said.

"I never went to boarding school. You know how painful that is for me? But that’s what my husband wants, oh sige (then, fine). 'Yan ba ang under (Is that what you call whipped)?" she added.

Meanwhile, First Lady Liza addressed speculations about her role in choosing presidential appointees.

"Dahan-dahan sila (Be careful what they wish for)," she said.

"If I'm in-charge, lahat sila patay. Ako pa? (I'll go after all of them. It's me we're talking about)," she added.