PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., on Monday conveyed his willingness to reconcile with the Duterte family, signaling a potential thaw in relations between two influential political clans amid ongoing efforts to promote unity within the country’s leadership.
“I don’t want trouble. I want to get along with everyone. That’s better. I already have many enemies. I don’t want enemies; I need friends,” Mr. Marcos said in Filipino in a video posted on his social media platforms.
“As much as possible, what I’m aiming for is stability and peace so we can do our work. I’m always open to that. I’m always open to any approach,” he added.
Mr. Marcos and former President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s daughter, Sara, delivered a landslide victory in the 2022 polls under the banner of unity, but their relationship deteriorated following a series of events prompted by Ms. Duterte’s resignation as Education Secretary under Mr. Marcos’ cabinet.
Ms. Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives in early February over alleged misuse of secret funds, unexplained wealth, and acts of destabilization and plotting the assassination of President Marcos and his family. Ms. Duterte has denied any wrongdoing
The Philippine government last March also paved the way for the arrest of Mr. Duterte, who is now detained in The Hague for alleged crimes against humanity. — Chloe Mari A. Hear
