PBBM rebuffs Imee’s ‘no election’ claim

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos, Philippine News Agency

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (Presidential Communications Office/facebook)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday brushed aside Senator Imee Marcos’ claims about an alleged “no-election” scenario in 2028.

Marcos appeared surprised by his sister’s allegation of a plot to suspend the upcoming national elections to extend his term.

He was about to board the presidential plane for his four-day state visit to Japan when he stopped after being asked about alleged efforts to prevent the holding of the 2028 national elections.

“What’s ‘no-el’?” Marcos said, appearing puzzled.

“I wanted a no-election scenario?” he added upon learning of the allegation.

He gave no further comment but smirked before heading to the plane.

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, who was beside the President, merely laughed off the claim.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro dismissed the allegation as a “diversionary tactic,” stressing that Marcos always follows the law.

“Kung anuman ang tungkol sa batas, hindi iyan lumalabag sa batas. Meron tayong batas patungkol sa susunod na eleksyon, 2028, so nakakasiguro tayo na ang Pangulo ay susunod sa batas (Whatever concerns the law, he does not violate it. We have a law regarding the next election in 2028, so we can be sure that the President will adhere to the law),” Castro said.

She said Senator Imee should be asked again if her claim was true.

Earlier this month, Castro confirmed that the President had not been in contact with his eldest sister for years but does not harbor ill feelings toward her.