Marcos: First lady not involved in political appointments, son not being groomed to be president

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 24) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has dismissed rumors that first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos is involved in political appointments, and has denied that he is “grooming” his son Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos to be president.

The president made the statement during a media panel interview on Monday where he was asked about his wife’s alleged involvement in the recent leadership shuffle in the Defense department

“Zero. She really has no input on that,” Marcos told journalists.

The chief executive explained his wife only “helps in terms of organization” of workflow and documents.

“But that’s the extent of it. We don't talk policy together. She’ll comment, ‘That looks good. That doesn’t look good. I don’t know why you’re doing that.’ But that’s it,” he added.

Marcos further explained he only consults his wife, who is a lawyer, on legal matters.

“Not political decisions. Legal. I will ask her. Whenever there’s a legal question, I’m not a lawyer, so I need an expert opinion. She’s right next to me most of the time, so I could turn to her,” he said.

He added that he only includes his wife in discussions with his legal representation, which includes former Chief Justice and Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and former Senate President and chief presidential legal adviser Juan Ponce Enrile.

Another Marcos for president?

The president also denied that he is “grooming” his son Sandro to be president.

“We’re not grooming him for anything. He is grooming himself. He has decided on this career in politics, and he will handle it the way he does,” the chief executive said.

He also said Sandro is busy with his plans for Ilocos Norte.

“Everybody dreams to be at the number one position. But that doesn’t mean that we’re plotting,” he added.

The chief executive explained Sandro was part of the Philippine delegation to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland as his son is the author of the bill seeking the creation of the Maharlika Investment Fund, which was soft launched during the forum.

The president did not explain Sandro’s part in other international trips.

READ: RECAP: Marcos’ int’l trips in first 7 months in office