Palace: Marcos wants unity, not drama

Malacañang on Wednesday clarified that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent call for reconciliation wasn’t aimed at a specific political family or group — not even the Dutertes. Instead, it was a broad appeal for national unity.

In a Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Press Officer Claire Castro said the President’s message was about putting the rule of law above personal and political interests.

“This isn’t about protecting friends or political allies,” Castro said. “The President won’t bend or break the law just to serve the interests of a few. When it comes down to choosing between a friend and the law, he will always choose the law.”

The President’s call for unity was inclusive — extending even to those who don’t share his views, Castro emphasized.

“The President made it very clear. This is for everyone — even those who may disagree with his beliefs, principles, or policies,” she said. “It would be better if he could find common ground with as many people as possible. That way, we can move forward together and keep the government’s work going.”

Responding to speculation the reconciliation message was a peace offering to the Duterte camp — amid the rising tensions over former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest and detention in The Hague — Castro said that was not the case.

“Let’s not zero in on the Dutertes,” she said. “The President won’t break the law just to achieve reconciliation.”

She made clear that a reconciliation must not come at the expense of the Constitution or the legal system.

Castro dismissed the suggestion of some Duterte allies that reconciliation should include bringing the former president back home.

“President Marcos won’t be controlled or dictated on by anything that’s wrong,” she said. “He will not turn his back on the law just to serve anyone’s personal interest.”

According to Castro, the President’s appeal stemmed from a genuine desire to bring stability and unity to the nation — not to win political favors or score points with any particular group.

“Reconciliation is for the people — not for anyone’s personal gain,” she said. “He said it clearly: he wants unity with everyone, so the country can be stable, the government can fulfill its duties, and its work won’t be derailed.”

She said the President was tired of the infighting and the distractions.

“He doesn’t want drama,” she said. “This constant fighting only slows down the government’s work. All he gets are smears and fake news. It needs to stop so we can focus on what really matters.”