Malacañang on Wednesday rejected speculation that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s recent call for national reconciliation was directed at any specific political figure or group, particularly the Dutertes.

In a press briefing, Palace spokesperson Atty. Claire Castro emphasized that the President’s message was meant for all Filipinos, underscoring that the rule of law remains his priority over political or personal interests.

“Hindi po tatalikuran at babaliktarin ng Pangulo ang batas para lamang pagsilibihan ang personal na interest ng iilan. So tandaan po natin, lagi pong sa batas ang Pangulo. Kaibigan o batas, batas pa rin po ang pipiliin ng Pangulo," Castro said.

(The President will not turn his back on or twist the law just to serve the personal interests of a few. So let us remember, the President always stands by the law. Whether it's a friend or the law, the President will still choose the law.)

Castro also clarified that the President’s message was addressed to the entire nation, including those who may not align with his beliefs or policies.

“Maliwanag po ang sinabi ng Pangulo sa lahat ng tao na maaaring hindi kapareho ng kaniyang paniniwala o ng prinsipyo o ng polisiya. Mas maganda kung lahat ng tao ay makakasundo niya para po sa taumbayan, para magkaroon na po nang tuluy-tuloy na pagtatrabaho para sa bansa," she said.

(The President made it clear that his message is for everyone, including those who may not share his beliefs, principles, or policies. It would be better if he could come to terms with everyone for the sake of the people, so that the work for the country can continue without interruption.)

On suggestions that the appeal was specifically meant for the Duterte family, Castro pushed back:

“Huwag nating isentro ang open for reconciliation sa mga Duterte. Hindi po gagawin ng Pangulo na lumabag sa batas para lamang sa isang rekonsilasyon," she said.

(Let’s not focus the call for reconciliation solely on the Dutertes. The President will not violate the law just for the sake of reconciliation.)

She then emphasized that the President "will not sacrifice the Constitution or legal integrity for any reconciliation."

When asked about claims from Duterte allies that reconciliation hinges on the former president's return to the country, Castro said Marcos will not be swayed by personal or political interests.

"Hindi po magpapahawak sa leeg at hindi po magpapadikta ang Pangulo sa mali. Hindi po tatalikuran at babaligtarin ng Pangulo ang batas para lamang pagsilbihan ang personal na interes ng iilan," she said.

(The President will not allow anyone to control him, nor will he be dictated by what is wrong. The President will not turn his back on or twist the law just to serve the personal interests of a few.)

She stressed that the President’s intent is to promote national stability and unity, not to appease any individual or group for political gain.

“Ang pakikipagkasundo po ay para taumbayan, hindi para sa personal na interes ng iba. Alalahanin po natin, maliwanag, uulit-ulitin ko ang sinabi ng Pangulo, sa lahat ng tao gusto niya pong makipagkasundo para magkaroon ng stability, magampanan ang dapat magampanan at hindi madiskaril ang trabaho ng gobyerno," she said.

(Reconciliation is for the people, not for the personal interests of others. Let us remember, it is clear—and I will repeat what the President said—he wants to reconcile with everyone to achieve stability, fulfill what needs to be done, and ensure that the government’s work is not derailed.)

She added:

"Ayaw po niya ng away! So ang awayan na ito ang siyang nagpapabagal sa trabaho ng gobyerno dahil puro paninira, puro fake news ang natatanggap ng Pangulo."

(He doesn't want conflict! This fighting is what slows down the government’s work because all the President receives are attacks and fake news.)