Imee Marcos withdraws from AMP to maintain independence

On Wednesday, March 26, Senator Imee Marcos announced her withdrawal from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration-backed Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas.

Marcos cited her inability to align with the group's campaign platform and emphasized her commitment to maintaining independence throughout the election period, particularly in light of her brother leaving her name out in recent endorsements.

She criticized government witnesses for invoking executive privilege and the sub judice rule during Senate hearings regarding former President Rodrigo Duterte's arrest, suggesting they were hiding crucial facts.

Marcos expressed concern that the Philippines' compliance with international commitments might have compromised constitutional rights and national sovereignty, as evident in her preliminary findings.

The senator has long tried to straddle between being a Marcos while also being a close ally of the Duterte clan but has faced challenges due to differences on certain issues like Mr. Duterte's arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Several cabinet members denied having colluded with the ICC, and used executive privileges after Ms. Marcos asked about a meeting with the President regarding rumors of the warrant of arrest issued by the ICC.

Over and above political advantage, the senator stressed that the sovereignty of the country and true justice for every Filipino must remain paramount.