Senators clarify dinner with President, First Lady was social

At least two senators stated on Wednesday that their dinner with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos last Monday at the Bahay ng Pangulo was purely social in nature.

Senate President Francis Escudero clarified through a text message to reporters that it was just a 'chillax dinner' without any political or legislative agenda, emphasizing that all senators were invited except for Senator Imee Marcos who did not receive an invitation.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III confirmed that the dinner was scheduled months in advance and was unrelated to recent events such as the impeachment complaints filed against Vice President Sara Duterte.

Senator JV Ejercito added that the dinner lasted approximately two hours, further dispelling any notion of a hidden agenda behind the gathering.

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos shared photos of the event on Facebook, which included several senators but excluded Senator Imee Marcos who was unaware and uninvited.