- VP Sara Duterte coy after President Marcos extends olive branch
VICE PRESIDENT Sara Duterte has yet to issue a response after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s public declaration on Monday, May 19, of possibly mending ties with the Duterte family despite recent tensions between their respective camps.
President Marcos Jr. made the statement during the inaugural episode of the “BBM Podcast” on Facebook, emphasizing his desire for reconciliation.
“Hindi ko kailangan ng kaaway. Kailangan ko ng kaibigan (I don’t need enemies. I need friends),” the President said.
He further elaborated on his willingness to reconcile with the Dutertes as he is “looking for stability and peace so everyone can focus on their work.”
“Ako, ayaw ko ng gulo. Gusto kong magkasundo (ang) lahat ng tao. Marami na akong kaaway. Hindi ko kailangan ng kaaway. Kailangan ko ng kaibigan. Hangga’t maaari, ako, ang habol ko ay ‘yung stability, peaceful, para magawa namin ‘yung trabaho namin,” the president said.
Sara Duterte and Mr. Marcos ran under the Uniteam banner in 2022, and their tandem overwhelmed the opposition.
The vice president has been very vocal about condemning the reportedly political persecution targeting the Dutertes, beginning with the House probe into her alleged misuse of the confidential fund.
The conflict between the two families completely fractured when former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested and whisked off to The Hague on a private plane paid for by the administration. While Mr. Marcos insisted they were only fulfilling their commitment to Interpol, the vice president described it as kidnapping or extrajudicial rendition because it violated judicial processes.
In the mid-term elections, considered a referendum for the sitting government, Marcos Jr.’s candidates—Senator Manny Pacquiao, Senator Francis Tolentino, and former DILG secretary Benhur Abalos—lost their senatorial bids. In contrast, the vice president’s endorsement allowed five candidates to squeeze into the Magic 12.
Photo courtesy VP Sara FB
