Imee Marcos Slams Brother's SONA as 'Deception'

Minority Senator Imee Marcos on Monday criticized her brother President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) for 2026, calling his announcement of impending charges against their cousin, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, nothing but deception. Imee Marcos, who skipped the SONA along with other minority members, stated, “It is pure deception for the President to say that the Ombudsman is close to filing cases against former Speaker Martin Romualdez.” She questioned the government's swiftness in pursuing cases against senators opposed to the administration, while allegedly being slow against its own allies. Marcos asserted that Romualdez is not alone in alleged corruption, implying a need for impartial investigations within the administration. In contrast, Senator Robin Padilla, an ally of Imee Marcos in the minority bloc, offered a more conciliatory response. Padilla expressed gratitude to the President for using more Filipino in his speech, which he said made it easier for ordinary Filipinos to understand his plans for the remainder of his term. The differing reactions highlight internal political dynamics and potential factional tensions within the Marcos administration as it navigates the latter half of the President's term. Source: GMA News Philippines