'Purely socials': No political talks during dinner with Marcos, Liza —senators

At least two senators on Wednesday said that there were neither official nor political matters discussed during their dinner with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos at the Bahay ng Pangulo last Monday.

"It was purely socials and part of the regular/seasonal gathering between the members of the Senate and the President," Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero said in a Viber message.

Senator JV Ejercito also shared that the dinner was "purely socials" when asked if the dinner was related to the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) rally, which was conducted at the Quirino Grandstand on the same day as the senators' gathering with the First Couple, and if there were any legislative matters conveyed by the President.

"Not at all. Purely socials. We didn’t even discuss any political issue," Ejercito said.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III said the dinner was "scheduled months ago."

"Not pre-determined or influenced by any other event," Pimentel said.

In a social media post, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos shared photos of the dinner that she hosted for the senators and their spouses.

Aside from Escudero, Ejercito, and Pimentel, the other lawmakers seen in the photo posted by the First Lady were Sens. Ramon Revilla Jr., Lito Lapid, Francis Tolentino, Sherwin Gatchalian, Raffy Tulfo, Joel Villanueva, Mark Villar, Jinggoy Estrada, Cynthia Villar, Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, Nancy Binay, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Loren Legarda, and Robin Padilla.

Senator Grace Poe said she was present during dinner but was "late" for the group picture.

Senator Imee Marcos said her office did not get an invitation.

According to Escudero, all senators were invited to the dinner, but clarified that this should be verified with Malacañang's staff members.

"To my knowledge, all members were invited but you have to ask the Palace Protocol to confirm because they were the ones that sent the invites and am just a mere invitee," he said.—AOL, GMA Integrated News