Marcos willing to reconcile with Dutertes

With some groups blaming the defeat of administration candidates on the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte and the arrest of her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, President Marcos said yesterday he is open to reconciliation with his political foes.

- Helen Flores and Alexis Romero

In a podcast posted on his YouTube channel, broadcaster Anthony Taberna asked Marcos whether he is open to restoring his relationship with the Dutertes.

The President replied, "Oo. Ako, ayaw ko ng gulo. Gusto ko makasundo sa lahat ng tao. Mas maganda (Yes. I don't want trouble. I want to get along with everyone. That's better)."

"Marami na akong kaaway at hindi ko kailangan ng kaaway. Kailangan ko kaibigan (I already have many enemies and I don't need enemies. I need friends)," Marcos said.

The President said the country's stability and peace are important so the government can continue its job.

"Kaya ako, laging bukas sa ganyan (That's why I'm always open to it)," he said, referring to a possible reconciliation with his political foes.

Marcos said he is "always open to any approach" and that even if he and his critics "don't agree on policies," they can always focus on work without stirring trouble.

"Let's avoid, let's get rid of bickering," Marcos said.

His interview came exactly a week after the midterm polls.

Only six senatorial candidates endorsed by Marcos made it to the Senate. They are former Senate president Vicente Sotto III, former senator Panfilo Lacson, former social welfare chief Erwin Tulfo, reelectionists Lito Lapid and Pia Cayetano and Las Piñas City Rep. Camille Villar.

The Alyansa did not drop Villar from its slate even after the latter openly sought and gained the Vice President's endorsement.

Marcos also said he may have to be tougher to get things done and to instill fear among wrongdoers and underperformers in government.

He acknowledged that the recently concluded midterm polls reflected the Filipinos' disappointment with government services.

"That's what we are supposed to be doing. It's good that the election is over. Enough of politics. Let us work.

Let us do what we are supposed to do," the President told Taberna.