Reelectionist Senator Imee Marcos made a bold political statement in a new political ad, asserting that the current administration is no longer led by a Marcos, but run by the Romualdezes and Aranetas.
'Hindi Marcos': Romualdez, Araneta now running the gov't — Imee Marcos
By Dhel Nazario
At A Glance
- Senator Imee Marcos, in a new political ad, expressed concern over the direction of the current administration, suggesting it is now shaped more by the influence of a Romualdez and Araneta, while reaffirming her own identity and independence.

"Ang gobyerno ngayon ay hindi Marcos. Ang gobyerno ngayon ay Romualdez at Araneta. (The government today is not Marcos. The government today is Romualdez and Araneta)," Marcos said, seemingly throwing shade at House Speaker Martin Romualdez and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, who both wield significant influence in the current administration.
Marcos also revealed that Vice President Sara Duterte had once advised her to change her surname, a suggestion she firmly rejected.
"Hindi ko kailangan magpalit ng apelyido. Marcos ako. I'm me. Ako ay ako. Ako si Imee Marcos (I don’t need to change my name. I’m a Marcos. I’m me. I am Imee Marcos)," she said.
In her remarks, Marcos emphasized her refusal to align with politicians who, she claims, had previously accused and oppressed her family. “When you are a Marcos, you do not ally with those who slandered and persecuted your family. You don’t swallow your pride just for politics,” she added, referencing what she describes as the legacy of her father, the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
Marcos also took a swipe at current government policies, questioning both economic and judicial sovereignty.
"Imported na ang bigas, imported pa ang hustisya? (Rice is imported. Is justice imported too?)" she asked.
In previous interviews, the presidential sister has said that she has not spoken directly with her brother, President Marcos, for some time, citing unnamed individuals in her brother's inner circle who have deliberately kept them apart ever since.