Marcos-Duterte reconciliation should factor in accountability - analyst

Metro Manila, Philippines - While President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent call for reconciliation with the Duterte family may help ease political tension after a divisive midterm election, a political analyst said mending fences should not be at the expense of truth and accountability.

Dindo Manhit, political analyst and founder of the Stratbase Group, said on Tuesday that repairing fractured relationships may offer a more stable political environment, especially amid external challenges, but only if grounded on principles.

“Sa bayan natin, mas magandang may unity because the greatest challenge is outside - the external challenge,” Manhit said in an interview.

[Translation: In our country, unity is better because the greatest challenge lies outside external threats.]

“It has to be a reconciliation based on principles,” he added.

Manhit said reconciliation must not lead to impunity or weaken institutions.

“We need to continue demanding accountability from individuals,” he said.

“So sana the unity among our political leaders is based on core principles of accountability and truth, and of course, respect of our institutions,” he added.

[Translation: I hope the unity among our political leaders is based on core principles of accountability and truth.]

The remarks come after Marcos, in a podcast released Monday, said he is open to working again with his former allies, including the Dutertes, to avoid further conflict and push for national cooperation.

“Ayaw ko ng gulo. Gusto ko makasundo sa lahat ng tao... Kailangan ko kaibigan,” Marcos said.

[Translation: I don’t want conflict. I want to get along with everyone… I need friends.]

The feud between the Marcoses and the Dutertes has deepened since 2021, culminating in the resignation and eventual impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, and the controversial turnover of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, to the International Criminal Court in March 2025.

Manhit said Marcos still enjoys significant political strength despite the divide, citing the administration’s control of the House and the presence of key allies in the Senate.

“The president won. His House of Representatives won 260 seats and is gaining more, especially with party-lists,” Manhit said. So not really a bad result. Then you have members of the Senate who continue to see him as a leader.”

Manhit said the realignment of political forces will likely evolve as impeachment talks, ICC proceedings, and 2028 aspirations come to fore.

“When you look at midterm elections, you will see the evolution of the coalition come presidential. As impeachment happens, as the ICC case progresses, you will see other alignments of forces,” he said.