Imee Marcos on Imelda's 93rd birthday party in Malacanãng Palace: 'Merienda lang... bawal ba 'yun?'
From the pictures circulating all over social media, it looked as if a lavish party was thrown for former first lady Imelda Marcos in the Malacañang Palace. However, Sen. Imee Marcos clarified that they only hosted a simple "merienda" for the matriarch's 93rd birthday.
"Nag-merienda lang. Syempre 'yung nanay ko 93 na, ang tatanda na. Kapag sinabing party, parang yugyugan. Hindi ganon. Kasi they're also ancient," Marcos said during an interview with reporters on July 4.
"Yes, we had a get-together, very simple merienda with a small [group] of old friends and scholars," she further commented.
Marcos also denied the allegations of critics that the party used government resources.
"I don't think that is the case. I'm sure everyone brought food, as a matter of fact, it's quite funny. At saka libre naman lahat nung mga produkto. Bawal ba 'yun? Hindi ko alam. Kasi nagbi-birthday party din ako nung bata ako doon eh," she said.
Meanwhile, Imelda's grandson Michael Manotoc shared photos from the said party, with the caption: "The great grandkids got all dressed up for their first visit to Malacañang! Happy Birthday Mama Meldy!!" His daughter was also photographed with the senator and former first lady.
Malacañang earlier refused to elaborate the details on the party, with the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) stating to the press that they will only be releasing statements "on issues where public interest/welfare is involved."
PCOO Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles earlier said during a briefing that president Marcos Jr. would always adhere to the law concerning parties held in the Palace.
"We assure you that the President would adhere to law. So that is the presumption. No directive in excess that is written into law," Cruz-Angeles said.