In a stunning development that has rocked the Philippine political landscape, a voice from the past has emerged from the shadows to shed light on the intensifying rift within the First Family. For decades, the inner workings of the Marcos dynasty have been guarded by a loyal circle of staff and security, men and women who see everything but say nothing. That code of silence was shattered recently when an 81-year-old former close-in security aide, who has served the family since the siblings were mere children, stepped forward to deliver an emotional and searing message to Senator Imee Marcos. His testimony offers a rare, intimate glimpse into the private lives of the President and the Senator, challenging the public narrative and questioning the motives behind the recent barrage of attacks against the Chief Executive.

The aide, whose identity represents the “old guard” of loyalists, expressed profound shock and heartbreak over the Senator’s recent explosive statements against President Bongbong Marcos (PBBM). Having been a constant presence in their lives—from their playtime as toddlers to their years studying abroad—he claims a unique authority to speak on their true characters. He recalled with nostalgia the days when the siblings, aged 4, 8, and 11, were inseparable and happy, traveling together without the heavy burden of politics dividing them. His message was not just a defense of the President but a direct appeal to the Senator’s conscience, reminding her of her role as the eldest sibling and the head of the family in their parents’ absence. “I never thought you would destroy your own brother,” he lamented, emphasizing that they are of the same blood and should be protecting one another rather than tearing each other apart in the public arena.

One of the most compelling parts of his testimony was his recollection of their time in the United States. He revealed that he lived with the Senator and the future President in a single house in Kingston, New Jersey, for five years while she studied at Princeton University. He described being with them almost 24 hours a day, acting not just as a guard but as a father figure—even going so far as to say he considers himself a “stepfather” to them due to the depth of his service. This proximity allows him to refute the “wild” accusations of vices and bad behavior recently hurled at the President. According to the aide, he knows the President’s habits intimately, from the food he eats (he mentioned cooking goat for him) to his drinking habits, which he insists are limited to a casual beer or two after grueling campaign rallies, often shared with the staff. He painted a picture of a humble man who is not “matapobre” (condescending) and whom he has never heard curse in anger.

The emotional weight of the bodyguard’s message turned to confusion and concern regarding the Senator’s drastic change in demeanor. He openly questioned what could have caused such a shift in her attitude, using metaphors about typhoons and allergies to express his disbelief. He reminded her of the sacrifices made by loyalists like him—he recounted resigning from a stable job in America in 2019 just to campaign for her senatorial bid, working without a salary out of pure love and dedication to the family. To see that loyalty repaid with internal family destruction has evidently caused him deep personal pain. He pleaded with her to remember the adage “blood is thicker than water” and to cover for her brother’s perceived faults rather than exposing them to their political enemies.

This intervention by a member of the household staff highlights the deep fracture that has occurred not just between the siblings, but within the wider circle of Marcos loyalists. The aide’s testimony suggests that the “UniTeam” breakup and the subsequent political noise may be influenced by external factors “poisoning” the relationships. He implored the public to analyze the situation carefully and not to blindly believe the character assassination attempts, asserting that the allegations of heavy vices are complete fabrications. He stands as a witness to the President’s private life, insisting that the man he protected is disciplined and undeserving of the vitriol coming from his own sister.

As the political drama continues to unfold, this heartbreaking appeal from an 81-year-old retainer serves as a reminder of the human cost of political ambition. It strips away the power and the titles, leaving a story of a family that was once whole but is now fracturing under the weight of public scrutiny. For the loyalists who have dedicated their lives to serving them, this public feud is not just a news story; it is a personal tragedy. The aide’s words echo the sentiments of many who wish to see reconciliation, leaving the public to wonder if this voice from their past will be enough to bridge the widening gap, or if the damage to the dynasty is already irreparable.