MANILA – Senator Imee Marcos posted a video apologizing to Vice President Sara Duterte, expressing regret for her role in encouraging Duterte to run for a national position in 2021.

In the video on her Facebook page, captioned “Ipinahamak ko siya…Imee and Inday Sara,” Marcos directly addressed the Dutertes, particularly the Vice President.

“Hihingi rin siguro ako ng tawad sa mga Duterte, higit sa lahat sa VP natin. Kay Inday Sara. Pinahamak ko siya eh (I suppose I should also ask forgiveness from the Dutertes, especially from our Vice President, Inday Sara. I put her in harm’s way),” Marcos said, reflecting on the consequences of her decision.

She said Duterte could have stayed in Davao City as mayor, avoiding the pressures and political conflicts of a national post, and acknowledged that at the time, Duterte had no plans to seek higher office. Marcos said she was among those who urged Duterte to consider a broader role, citing public expectations and support.

The senator admitted feeling “guilty” over how events unfolded and that her encouragement may have contributed to the challenges Duterte now faces. Despite this, Marcos noted that the vice presidency still provides Duterte with a platform to serve and advocate, even amid political difficulties.

The video is part of Marcos’ Holy Week series on reflection, repentance, and forgiveness. Her previous video focused on apologizing to her late father, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., for failing to watch over her brother, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Marcos is credited with helping form the “UniTeam” alliance, the political partnership between President Marcos and Vice President Duterte that dominated the 2022 elections. She played a key role in encouraging Duterte to join the national race, despite her initial plan to remain in local government. The Marcos-Duterte ticket went on to secure a decisive victory.

However, the alliance has shown strains in recent years. The rift became more pronounced in 2024 when Duterte resigned from her Cabinet posts, followed by increasingly public exchanges between allies on both sides.