First Lady on Imee: I am just the ‘out-law’

MANILA, Philippines — After admitting her relationship with Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte has soured, First Lady Liza Marcos also hinted at tension with her sister-in-law Sen. Imee Marcos.

In an hour-long interview with broadcaster Anthony Taberna aired on YouTube early yesterday, the First Lady said the last time she talked to the senator was last Christmas.

Asked why the senator seemed not to be defending her brother President Marcos from criticisms, the First Lady said: “You should ask her. I am just the out-law. I know what line not to cross.”

Pressed on whether she is on speaking terms with Imee, Liza said the President’s elder sibling is always invited to their regular family lunch on Sundays.

Liza said her mother-in-law, former first lady Imelda Marcos once asked her why she was not inviting Imee to their lunch.

“Every Sunday, we have a family lunch. Once my mother-in-law said, ‘Hija, di mo iniimbita si Imee sa mga ano.’ ‘Mom, ako pa? May group chat kami. Lahat sila nandiyan.’ Sabi niya, ‘Anong group chat?’ ‘Ah mommy…’ No, no. But she’s (Imee) always invited,” Liza said.

The senator, who has maintained close ties with the Vice President and the Dutertes, has emerged as a leading critic of many of the President’s key policies. She has questioned many of her brother’s major decisions, including on foreign affairs.

Imee was not seen in recent family photos shared by the First Lady on social media.

Last month, Imee backed former president Rodrigo Duterte’s “gentleman’s agreement” with China on the West Philippine Sea, which President Marcos hit as a “secret deal” that could have compromised the country’s “territory, sovereignty and sovereign rights.”

Imee called the critics of the Duterte-Beijing deal as overacting or exaggerated.

Admitting that she was hurt when Sara was seen laughing in a video when her father, the former president, called the President “bangag” or high on drugs during a recent prayer rally in Davao City, the First Lady admitted ignoring the Vice President during previous sendoff and arrival ceremonies for her husband at Villamor Air Base.

“You’re (Sara) supposed to be the alter ego, we’re there protecting you, you’re