PBBM open to ending conflict with Dutertes

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is open to reconciling with the Duterte family amid ongoing tensions between the two camps, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Tuesday.

In an interview with DZBB, PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President wants to end the conflict between both parties.

"Kumbaga, siya ‘yung ama ng bansa eh, kahit ano pa nagawa sa kanya, kung may pagkakamali sa kanya, isasakripisyo niya ‘yun para sa taumbayan, para sa bansa natin (In a way, he is the father of the nation — no matter what was done to him or what mistakes he may have made, he would sacrifice all of that for the people, for our country)," Castro said.

She added that the President is consistently willing to forgive, make sacrifices, and confront any challenges to maintain peace.

"Hindi siya nagpatumpik-tumpik, willing siya kahit sino pa man ‘yan makipag-ayos (He didn’t hesitate — he was willing to make peace, no matter who it was)," she added.

Castro also noted that as president and a father figure to the nation, Marcos understands that some necessary decisions may affect even friends or allies.

The statement follows Marcos’ remarks in a podcast with host Anthony Taberna, where he expressed his desire to ease tensions with the Dutertes.

“Ako, ayaw ko ng gulo. Gusto ko makasundo sa lahat ng tao. Mas maganda (Me, I don’t like conflict. I prefer to get along with everyone. It’s better that way),” Marcos said.