Senators and an official of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines on Tuesday welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s openness to reconciling with the Dutertes, saying it showed his intention to rise above political bickering for the sake of national unity.
Senator Ronald dela Rosa, however, said Mr. Marcos must show “extreme sincerity” if he truly intends to reconcile with the Duterte family.
“Because of the depth of the wounds they inflicted on us, I think what’s really needed is ‘extreme sincerity.’ Not just something superficial, because as I’ve said, we’ve already had experience with him,” Dela Rosa said in a phone patch interview.
The senator renewed his claim that Mr. Marcos had assured him the government would not cooperate with the International Criminal Court in its bid to arrest former President Rodrigo Duterte.
He said Duterte arrest on March 11 upon his arrival from Hong Kong was a violation of that assurance.
“No one really wants to be in conflict forever. We all want peace, to live quietly and peacefully, and to focus on the good of our country,” Dela Rosa said.
Senator Robin Padilla, for his part, underscored the importance of good faith in any peace talks.
“In every peace negotiation, exploratory talks are always the beginning,and the biggest question from the aggrieved party starts with: ‘What is the goodwill offer?’” he said.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada welcomed the gesture, saying it was a sign that Mr. Marcos wants to move beyond political conflict.
“By expressing his desire to reconcile with the Dutertes, the President demonstrates his intent to rise above political bickering and focus on national healing and progress,” he said.
Estrada maintained his opposition to any impeachment effort against Vice President Sara Duterte, warning that it would only deepen political divisions.
“But as duly elected members of the Senate, we are mandated by the Constitution to act on any impeachment complaint. The Filipino people deserve nothing less than a Senate that upholds integrity, objectivity, and respect for due process,” he said.
Senator JV Ejercito on Tuesday expressed hope that President Marcos’ statement could pave the way for national unity.
“Based on recent statements and news reports, the conflict appears to be deep. But even if it seems unlikely and difficult at the moment, we are still hoping and praying that there will be a positive development,” Ejercito said.
“We have so many pressing problems that need us to work together and stay focused. I hope we can just prioritize the country’s current challenges. If we join forces, we can help our people and our country move forward,” Ejercito added.
For his part, Fr. Jerome Secillano, CBCP – Episcopal Commission on Public Affairs (ECPA) executive secretary, said they welcome the possibility of peace between the two top leaders as it would be good for the country.
“Unity and reconciliation are always good for our country,” Secillano said in an interview over Church-run Radio Veritas.
“The desire, though, should be motivated by the common good.”
A reconciliation and political unity between the Marcoses and the Dutertes would be ideal for the country, added Stratbase ADRI president Dindo Manhit.
“It is good to have unity because the greatest challenge is outside, the country’s challenges are external,” he said.
The think-tank chief said, however, stressed that political reconciliation must be anchored on accountability and good governance.
“I hope the reconciliation or the unity of our political leaders is based on the core principles of accountability and truth and also respect of institutions,” Manhit said, referring to the looming impeachment trial of the Vice President
President Marcos on Monday said he is open to reconciling with the Duterte family, saying he prefers peace and unity over political conflict.
“Do I still want to reconcile with the Dutertes? Yes,” the President said. “Me, I don’t like trouble. I want to get along with everyone. It’s better that way.”
“I already have many enemies, and I don’t need more. I need a friend,” he added.
Manila Standard again tried to get a reaction from the camp of Vice President Sara Duterte Tuesday but it has yet to issue a statement as of press time.