Marcos advises sister Imee to fire her staff, denies discussing no-election scenario
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. holds a post-state visit press conference in Tokyo, Japan on May 29, 2026. (PPA)
"Choose your sources of information better."
This was what President Marcos told his sister, Senator Imee, as he belied claims that he has been in talks with political groups about extending his term through a "no-election" scenario in 2028.
In a post-state visit press conference in Tokyo on Friday, May 29, Marcos was asked to elaborate on his recent reaction to the issue, after he was seen merely making a facial expression when asked about it before departing Manila on Tuesday.
He let out a laugh before elaborating further.
"I don't know. She should fire her staffer who gave her that information," he said.
"So she should choose her sources of information," he added.
The President stressed that he has never spoken to anyone about the alleged plot to hold no election.
"Because the truth of the matter is we have never at any point even spoken about this anywhere with anyone at any time. So I don't know," Marcos said.
The Chief Executive branded the claim as fake news, saying what his sister claimed was a "perfect example of that."
"Fake news is a corrosive influence in all sectors of society, in political, in economics, in actual human relations, et cetera. And if you are not part of the solution, you become part of the problem," he said.
"And that is a perfect example of that," he added.
Marcos also pointed out that "fake news hurts everyone."
"Not only those that fake news is attacking, but also those who are purveying that fake news," he said, stressing that "the purveyors of fake news are also damaged by this."
Before leaving for Tokyo, Marcos was asked to comment on speculations brought up by his own sister, alleging that he was in favor of suspending the 2028 national elections.
Marcos did not directly comment on the claims. He only repeated the question, while showing disbelief.
"What's 'no-el'?" Marcos asked when sought for a statement.
"I wanted a no-election scenario?" he questioned before making face, showing disbelief.
It came a day after Senator Imee alleged that certain political groups were seeking to change the Senate leadership because “there was so much at stake,” including a supposed plan to push for constitutional amendments through a constituent assembly.
The alleged proposal, the senator added, involved extending the terms of incumbent officials, including congressmen and even the President until 2031 while suspending national elections.