First lady debunks claims she controls President

MANILA, Philippines: First Lady Marie Louise «Liza» Araneta-Marcos denied claims that her husband, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., was «under the saya (under her skirt),» dismissing speculations that she controlled the Chief Executive's decisions.

In an interview with broadcaster Anthony Taberna, Araneta-Marcos said she gave up her law firm, Marcos & Associates, to support her husband in leading the country.

«You're talking about under the saya… I gave up my law firm. You know how painful that was for me?» the First Lady said.

«Then they'll accuse me of smuggling or having certain deals. I gave up my law firm. If you're going to do that, I should have just kept my law firm. That would be easier,» she added.