Manila, Philippines – A deepening rift within the powerful Marcos family has erupted into public view, with Senator Imee Marcos, the elder sister of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr, asserting a "leadership vacuum" at the nation's helm. These strong remarks, made during an interview in her Manila office, come amidst a swirling corruption scandal and intensifying political rivalries, further destabilizing the Southeast Asian nation.
Allegations and Denials
Senator Marcos, 70, did not mince words, stating, "There is a vacuum at the top. And that’s a problem because all sorts of sinister and malignant forces have jumped in to fill that void." This candid assessment follows a recent anti-corruption rally where she publicly alleged her brother's addiction to cocaine – claims vehemently denied by the president's office.
The presidential camp, in turn, fired back, with President Marcos Jnr expressing concern for his sister's well-being and publicly questioning her state of mind, remarking, "the lady that you see talking on TV is not my sister." The president's office further dismissed the drug allegations, referencing a medical certificate affirming a negative drug-use test result.
Sources and Context
When pressed on the basis for her accusations regarding her brother's alleged drug problem, Imee Marcos indicated that she continues to receive reports from a network of individuals close to the president, including his friends, doctors, presidential security, and long-serving family staff. "For some reason, I suppose because I’m the eldest, they still report to me," she explained.
This high-profile family feud unfolds during a critical period for the Philippines, which is grappling with a multibillion-dollar corruption scandal involving crucial funds earmarked for flood infrastructure projects. Adding another layer of complexity, Senator Imee Marcos has publicly thrown her support behind Vice-President Sara Duterte. Once a close political ally of President Marcos Jnr, Duterte has since emerged as his significant political rival, their alliance having crumbled over stark policy differences. The ongoing public spat underscores the volatile political landscape in the Philippines as the nation navigates significant challenges.