Philippine Senator Imee Marcos at the March 20, 2025 Philippine Senate hearing into former president Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest. SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES

Senator Imee Marcos has expressed her intent to personally deliver a P10,000 cheque to former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte in The Hague, where he is currently detained. During an interview on Thursday (March 27), Marcos, a known Duterte ally, said she would visit the former president if permitted. "Happy birthday! Matindi rin ‘yung umabot sa 80 years old, at sana makauwi na siya (It's quite an achievement to reach 80 years old, and hopefully, he can come home soon)," Marcos said. "Kung papayagan ako, dadalhin ko ‘yung cheque na P10,000. Expanded Centenarians na siya, qualified na siya (If I’m allowed, I want to personally bring the P10,000 check. Under the Expanded Centenarians Law, he qualifies. He’s 80 years old now)," she added, referring to Duterte’s milestone birthday on March 28. The cheque is part of the Expanded Centenarians Law, which the senator championed in 2023. The law grants Filipinos aged 80, 85, 90, and 95 a cash gift, expanding the previous policy that only covered centenarians.

Duterte’s arrest sparks global reaction

Duterte faces crimes against humanity charges before the International Criminal Court (ICC). The former leader was arrested earlier this month by the Philippine National Police, with the Philippine government saying it was only cooperating with the request of Interpol on an ICC warrant related to his controversial war on drugs, which allegedly led to thousands of extrajudicial killings. His detention has sparked protests from supporters in the Philippines and abroad. A nationwide prayer rally is planned in Davao on his birthday, while overseas Filipino groups are calling for a week-long halt on remittances from March 28 to April 4 as a form of protest.

Imee Marcos leaves Alyansa party, cites Duterte arrest

In another major political move, Marcos formally withdrew from the senatorial slate of her brother, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas, citing Duterte’s arrest as a key reason. "The actions taken by my brother’s administration run counter to my ideals and principles," Marcos said in a statement. "Thus, I cannot stand on the same campaign platform as the rest of the Alyansa." The senator’s announcement came after she skipped six out of 11 campaign sorties of the administration ticket. While rumors of a political split between the Marcoses and the Dutertes had been swirling for months, Marcos’ move all but confirmed the divide. She also led a recent senate investigation into Duterte's controversial arrest and handover to the ICC, questioning the legal basis of his detention and the role of local authorities in executing the warrant. Political analysts say this could have major implications for the 2025 elections, as Marcos aligns herself with Duterte’s allies.

Expanded Centenarians Law: What it means for Filipinos

The Expanded Centenarians Law, authored by Imee Marcos, provides cash incentives to Filipinos upon reaching certain age milestones: P10,000 for 80, 85, 90, and 95 years old and P100,000 for those who reach 100 years old. Previously, only centenarians received financial assistance. The expansion aims to recognize senior citizens earlier in their lives. ICA/CAM/Expat Media
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