Marcos says reconciliation shouldn’t have conditions

KUALA LUMPUR - President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday underscored that there should be no conditions in reconciliation. 

“No, no, no, no, no, no. No. That's not how reconciliation works. You don't put conditions to reconcile,” Marcos told the Philippine media delegation. 

“When you want – if you're sincere, you want to reconcile, let's sit in front of… Ano ba talaga ang problema? Paano nangyari ito? Tanggalin natin ang problema,” he added. 

Marcos said having conditions is not pushing reconciliation but making demands. 

Asked how far he is willing to go to pursue this reconciliation, Marcos said, “Put it this way. I don't know. I don't know what will come up. What's needed.”

Marcos earlier disclosed that he is open to reconciling with the Dutertes, saying that he doesn't need enemies, but friends. 

Marcos also said he is open to reconciliation as he wants stability in his government. 

Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte were running mates in Eleksyon 2022, with the latter being appointed as Education chief. Their relations, however, had gone sour as Duterte eventually quit from the Cabinet post.

In January 2024, the Duterte patriarch, former President Rodrigo Duterte, called Marcos “bangag,” meaning high on drugs, as well as someone who wants to be a dictator just like his late father, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte also said Marcos should step down from his post because he lacks vision for the country.

In April of last year, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos said the Vice President was already on her bad side, given that she allowed her father to make disparaging comments on her husband.

The First Lady said she was hurt when Duterte attended a rally where the President was accused of being high on illegal drugs.

Months later, the Vice President continued her tirades against the First Family.

The rift widened after the arrest of Marcos' predecessor due to crimes against humanity charges before the International Criminal Court, a move that was defended by the administration, saying that it only honored its commitment to the Interpol. —LDF, GMA Integrated News