Senators voiced on Tuesday mixed reactions to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s offer of a reconciliation to the Duterte family — a move seen by some as a surprising concession in the aftermath of the political battle he had led against the family.

For Senator-elect Panfilo Lacson, while the President’s intent to set aside politics and extend an olive branch is commendable, it may be perceived as a sign of weakness.

“The openness to reconcile with the Duterte family is very typical of PBBM as a person. Yet his kindness and the goodness of his heart in dealing with people are being interpreted by his allies and adversaries as a weakness of his leadership,” Lacson said in a statement.

“That said, he may need a strong but well-intentioned ‘bastonero’ (jail enforcer) in his Cabinet who is capable of making government officials, including members of Congress, toe the line towards good governance,” he said.

He added: “However, the bastonero himself/herself cannot be abusive. The bastonero must be strong but well-intentioned.”

Unity

Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito expressed the hope a reconciliation could still be possible between the two sides, although he admitted that the rift was very deep.

“Based on the statements and reports coming out, the rift seems to be deep. But even if it seems unlikely and difficult right now, we are still hoping—and praying—that there will be a positive development,” Ejercito said in a separate statement.

“We’ve been saying this too ever since, that early political bickerings and rifts have done nothing but hold us back. Napag-iiwanan na tayo ng mga karatig nating bansa (We are being left behind by our neighboring countries),” he added.

Ejercito emphasized that government officials must work hand in hand to address the country’s pressing problems.

“I hope we can prioritize the country’s current challenges. If we join forces, we can help our people and our country move forward,” he said.

Impeachment must continue

Meanwhile, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said that by expressing a desire to reconcile with the Dutertes, President Marcos “demonstrates his intent to rise above political bickering and focus on national healing and progress.”

“As the President himself said, now that the elections are over, the mudslinging should end as well. It would be better for us elected officials to focus our attention on the real work of government—nation-building for the good of all,” Estrada said in a statement.

Estrada said that from the very beginning, he did not support the calls for the impeachment of the Vice President, which he said would only “lead to further division among us Filipinos.”

“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.

Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives on 5 February. Her conviction in the Senate trial court would remove her from office and bar her from holding future public positions.

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero earlier announced the upper chamber will convene the impeachment court on 30 July.