President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. hosted a New Year's dinner for senators and their spouses at the Bahay ng Pangulo on Monday, which several senators described as purely social. While the dinner sparked questions about its connection to the Iglesia ni Cristo's peace rally on the same day and any legislative concerns the President might have conveyed, senators insisted it was a casual gathering. Notable absences at the event included President Marcos' sister, Imee Marcos, who claimed not to have received an invitation, as well as Senators Christopher Go and Ronald dela Rosa, known allies of Vice President Sara Duterte, following recent tensions with the President.
MANILA, Philippines — The senators' New Year's dinner with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta on Monday was 'purely social.' Senate President Francis Escudero, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III and Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito shared the same reply when asked about their dinner with the first couple. Araneta posted photos of the dinner with the senators and their spouses which was held at the Bahay ng Pangulo.
They were asked whether their meeting with the Marcoses was related to the rally for peace of the Iglesia ni Cristo on the same day. They were also asked if the President conveyed any concern about legislative matters. 'It was purely social. Am not the one that invited nor sent invites. But as far as I know, all senators were invited without exception. It was just a chillax dinner,' Escudero said. 'That was scheduled months ago. Not pre-determined or influenced by any other event,' Pimentel said in a text message. 'Not at all. Purely social. We didn't even discuss any political issue,' Ejercito said in a text message. However, Sen. Imee Marcos, the president's eldest sister, was absent at the event claiming she did not receive any invitation. 'No, I didn't attend, office didn't receive an invite,' she said. Also absent at the dinner were Senators Christopher Go and Ronald dela Rosa, who are close allies of Vice President Sara Duterte, who recently had a falling out with the chief executive.
PHILIPPINES MARCOS JR. SENATE DINNER IGLESIA NI CRISTO LEGISLATIVE MATTERS IMEE MARCOS SARA DUTERTE
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Imee Marcos: Reenacted budget better than 'very bad' 2025 budget billLatest Philippine news from GMA News and 24 Oras. News, weather updates and livestreaming on Philippine politics, regions, showbiz, lifestyle, science and tech.
Read more »
Imee Marcos recalls mishaps encountered while shooting 'Himala' with Nora AunorSenator Imee Marcos, known for her love and support of Philippine cinema, is prouder than ever to learn that the musical version of the film 'Himala' is an official entry to the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival.
Read more »
Senator Imee Marcos Criticizes Social Amelioration Programs Despite Benefiting from ThemSenator Imee Marcos faces criticism for attacking social amelioration programs like AKAP while simultaneously benefiting from them. Her colleagues in the Senate are also being scrutinized for their support of these programs, which have been used to distribute funds to voters.
Read more »
GMA Pictures hosts ‘Green Bones’ screening with special guest FL Liza MarcosLatest Philippine news from GMA News and 24 Oras. News, weather updates and livestreaming on Philippine politics, regions, showbiz, lifestyle, science and tech.
Read more »
Former President Duterte Hosts Annual Gift-Giving Event for 50,000Thousands of people flocked to the Duterte family's ancestral home in Davao City for former President Rodrigo Duterte's annual gift-giving event on Christmas Day. The event, known as 'Pahalipay sa Taal,' featured food packs, cash, gift checks, and other presents distributed to attendees. Former President Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte, daughter of the former President, participated in the festivities.
Read more »
President Marcos 'Demonstrated Compassion' in Aiding Veloso's Return to PhilippinesKabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo lauded President Marcos for his 'remarkable leadership and compassion' in facilitating the return of Mary Jane Veloso to the Philippines from Indonesia.
Read more »