Imee Marcos’ Heartfelt Apology to Late Father on Holy Monday
IMEE MARCOS – The senator addressed the public on Holy Monday to apologize to her late father, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., for failing to watch over her younger brother, President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., as he had repeatedly instructed.
In a video released at the start of Holy Week, Imee admitted that she fell short of fulfilling her father’s lifelong request to look after Bongbong. She revealed that even as children, their father frequently reminded her of this responsibility, guidance that continued into his final years.
Imee acknowledged that while she tried to carry out her duty as the older sibling, tensions arose with her brother, and their relationship sometimes became strained. She admitted that she struggled to meet her father’s expectation, saying that despite her efforts, she ultimately could not fully protect or guide Bongbong as instructed.
“Ngayon iniisip ko, na ang dapat ihingi ko ng tawad sa tatay ko, ihingi ko ng tawad na hindi ko nagampanan ‘yung utos niya, ‘yung habilin niya, paulit-ulit, hindi lang naman nu’ng tumanda siya at mamamatay na, kundi talaga buong buhay yata namin — parating binibilin si Bongbong. ‘Bantayan mo ‘yung kapatid mo.’ Parating sinasabing gano’n,” she said.
The senator also highlighted external factors that complicated their relationship, noting that some people deliberately created obstacles, prevented communication, and caused divisions between her and her brother. These challenges made it impossible for her to properly fulfill her father’s wishes, prompting her heartfelt apology. She emphasized that she truly tried but could not manage the responsibility alone.
This public apology comes after a tense period in their family history. Last year, Imee had made serious allegations against her brother regarding alleged illegal drug use, which Malacañang dismissed as a desperate attempt for attention and mere noise. The recent statement, however, focused on regret and accountability toward their father rather than the previous public controversy.