Marcos rejects conditional reconciliation with Dutertes

Metro Manila, Philippines - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he is open to reconciling with the Duterte family, but this should come without requirements.

“No, no, no, no, no. No. That's not how reconciliation works. You don't put conditions to reconcile,” the president said, when asked how far he is willing to pursue reconciliation.

He said genuine reconciliation must be rooted in honest dialogue - not in ultimatums or demands.

“If you're sincere, you want to reconcile, let’s sit in front of each other. Ano ba talaga ang problema? Paano nangyari ito? Tanggalin natin ang problema,” he said.

[Translation: What is the real problem? How did this happen? Let’s remove the problem.]

“Hindi ako makikipag-usap hanggang ibigay mo sa akin ito, ito, ito... eh walang pupuntahan ‘yan. Tapos na. That’s not reconciliation. That’s not even a negotiation. That’s demanding,” he added.

[Translation: Saying you won’t talk until I give you this, this, and this - that leads nowhere. It’s over.]

Marcos said possible talks have no boundaries.

“You cannot pre-judge... ‘I’m going to talk to them only this much.’ Hindi. Kailangan bukas ka,” he said.

[Translation: No. You have to be open.]

“Kahit anong sabihin mo, pakikinggan ko... kung kaya ko ayusin, ‘di ayusin ko para tapos na ‘to. Ayoko nga ng kaaway,” he added.

[Translation: Whatever you say, I’ll listen... if I can fix it, then I’ll fix it so this can end. I don’t want enemies.]

In a podcast episode released earlier this month, Marcos first signaled openness to reconcile, saying he favors cooperation over conflict.

“Ako, ayaw ko ng gulo. Gusto ko makasundo sa lahat ng tao… Hindi ko kailangan ng kaaway. Kailangan ko kaibigan,” Marcos said.

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

Despite the deepening political divide with the Dutertes, the president reiterated that he remains open to working with anyone - including political rivals - in the interest of national unity.

“Lagi na akong bukas sa ganyan. I’m always open to any approach na, alika, magtulungan tayo,” he said.

[Translation: I’ve always been open to that. I’m always open to those who say, ‘Come, let’s work together.’]

“Kahit na hindi tayo magkasundo sa polisiya… huwag na tayong manggulo.”

[Translation: Even if we don’t agree on policy… let’s avoid causing trouble.]