Reconciliation must follow the law, not personal interests – Malacañang

Metro Manila, Philippines - Malacañang on Wednesday clarified that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. 's call for reconciliation is not intended solely for the Duterte family, stressing that the initiative is open to all - even critics - and should be in line with the law and national interest.

“Tandaan po natin, huwag po tayo mag-focus sa sinasabing open for reconciliation para lamang sa mga Duterte. Maliwanag po ang sinabi ng pangulo, sa lahat ng tao na maaaring hindi kapareho ng kaniyang paniniwala o ng prinsipyo o ng polisiya, ” said Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro in a media briefing.

[Translation: Let’s remember, let’s not focus on the idea that reconciliation is only for the Dutertes. The president clearly said it applies to everyone - even those who may not share his beliefs, principles, or policies.]

Castro said the president will not make exceptions for political allies at the expense of accountability and the rule of law.

“Hindi po gagawin ng pangulo na lumabag sa batas para lamang sa isang rekonsilyasyon,” she said.

[Translation: The President will not break the law just to pursue reconciliation.]

The Palace clarification comes amid mounting speculation that Marcos’ message - aired in a podcast released Monday - was directed at the Duterte camp, with some allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte interpreting the statement as an invitation for political healing.

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

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

Castro said the invitation for reconciliation should not be viewed as selective or a political concession.

“So, huwag nating isentro ang open for reconciliation sa mga Duterte,” she added. “Hindi po magpapahawak sa leeg at hindi po magpapadikta ang pangulo sa mali. Hindi po tatalikuran at babaligtarin ng pangulo ang batas para lamang pagsilbihan ang personal na interes ng iilan.”

[Translation: Let’s not center reconciliation solely on the Dutertes. The president will not be held by the neck or dictated upon to do something wrong. He will not turn his back on the law just to serve the personal interest of a few.]

Asked about Malacañang’s response to Duterte allies such as Harry Roque and Salvador Panelo, who said reconciliation is only possible if Marcos helps bring Duterte back from The Hague, Castro was firm.

“Tandaan po natin, lagi pong sa batas ang pangulo,” she said. “Kaibigan o batas? Batas pa rin po ang pipiliin ng pangulo.”

[Translation: Let’s remember, the president always stands by the law. Friend or the law? The president will still choose the law.]

Earlier, political analyst Dindo Manhit of the Stratbase Group told NewsWatch Plus that reconciliation should be grounded on truth and accountability, not impunity.

“We need to continue demanding accountability from individuals,” Manhit said. “So sana the unity among our political leaders is based on core principles of accountability and truth, and of course, respect for our institutions.”

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

The Duterte-Marcos rift has deepened since 2021, reaching a boiling point with the resignation and eventual impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, and the turnover of former President Duterte to the International Criminal Court in March 2025.