After a long time, President Marcos was able to meet his long-time friend, former Liberal Party standard bearer Mar Roxas in an event in Roxas City, Capiz.
Roxas joined Marcos and other local officials in distributing seized smuggled rice to beneficiaries in Roxas City on Friday, Oct. 6.
In his speech, Marcos shared that he and Roxas, despite their different political alliances, are good friends for a long time now. He recalled that their friendship dates back from when they were still both in New York.
The President recognized Roxas' presence in the event, calling him as his "long-time friend," "son of Capiz," and a former secretary and Senator.
"Lahat na yata nahawakan mo. Mar Roxas nandito po (It seems like you have already handled all. Mar Roxas is here)," Marcos said, earning applause from the crowd.
"Baka hindi n'yo po alam, alam n'yo po, kami ni Mar matagal na po kaming magkaibigan at kahit na hindi kami magkapanig kung minsan sa politika, matagal kaming nagsama sa New York (You may not know, Mar and I have been friends for a long time and although we are not on the same political alliances, we were together in New York)," Marcos shared.
The President and Roxas were seen arriving together at the Capiz Gymnasium in Roxas City for the event. They were onboard the same vehicle.
He even recalled that they had a lot of adventures as bachelors during their time in New York.
"Kaya po nakakatuwa. Matagal ko na po siyang hindi nakausap at mabuti naman nagkaroon ng pagkakataon. Nag-usap kami dito pa sa Capiz (I'm glad. I have not talked to him in a long time and it is good that we got the chance now. We were able to talk with each other again here in Capiz)," Marcos said.
In a video posted by the Uniteam BBM Sara on Facebook, Roxas was seen expressing his well wishes to the President as they walked out from the venue.
"Sir, we wish you well. I salute you. God bless you," Roxas said as he gestured a salute to the President and shook his hand.
"Thank you, Mar, salamat," Marcos responded.
Marcos and Roxas were both candidates in the 2016 national elections where Marcos was running for vice president while Roxas was vying for the presidency. Both were unsuccessful in their respective bids.