Marcos, Duterte should fix rift and address pressing problems - Querubin

Metro Manila, Philippines - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte should settle their differences and address more pressing concerns than engage in a political feud, independent senatorial candidate Ariel Querubin said.

In the second episode of “Ang Kandidato: A NewsWatch Plus Election roundtable," Querubin said some of the country's biggest problems have been sidelined because of the political divide.

Marcos and Duterte led the UniTeam during the 2022 elections but have severed ties since last year, with the vice president even threatening to have the president killed if she herself is murdered.

“Pwede ba mag-usap kayo, ayusin nyo iyan? Kasi ang dami nating problema na dapat nagkakaisa tayo. Posisyon natin, magkakaiba tayo. West Philippine sea, di’ba? Corruption… We are so polarized ba sa nangyayari na ito,” Querubin said.

“Ang mga kababayan natin na nangangailangan talaga ng tulong, napapabayaan dahil dito. Wala talaga nangyayari. Ang tanong mo lang meron bang benepisyo itong away na ito?” he added.

[Translation: Can you please talk and fix this? Because we have so many problems, and we should be united. Our positions are different. The West Philippine Sea, right? Corruption… We are so polarized by what's happening… Our countrymen who need help are neglected because of this. Nothing is really happening. The only question is, does this conflict bring any benefit at all?]

Querubin said he supports the previous pronouncement of the vice president that the country should move forward after the former president was arrested and detained in The Hague, Netherlands for crimes against humanity for murder linked to his bloody drug war.

The senatorial candidate said he is hoping that Duterte will be given a fair trial at the International Criminal Court.

Catch Menchu Macapagal’s interview with senatorial candidates on NewsWatch Plus’ social media platforms and on free TV at Aliw 23.