President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, May 20 gained the support of senators after he expressed willingness to come to terms with the Dutertes. 

“Sang-ayon ako sa panawagan ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na isantabi ang pulitika at ituon ang pansin sa mga pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan (I agree with Presidnet Bongbong Marcos’ call to set aside politics and to focus our attention to the needs of our people),” Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero said.

“Tama po sya (he is right; our country’s leaders cannot afford to be consumed by politics when so many of our kababayan struggle simply to make ends meet,” the Senate leader stressed.

Escudero said he appreciates the fact that the President had the humility to recognize that the recent election results reveal that majority of Filipinos are weary of conflict and want a government focused on their needs, not distracted by the drama of politics.

“In admitting that he is open to reconciling with the Vice President and the Duterte family, he reminds us that the welfare of the Filipino people should always take precedence over personal differences and partisan disputes,” Escudero said.

“Malinaw po ang mensahe ni Presidente (The President’s message is clear): now is the time to build bridges, not burn them. We owe it to our people to rise above division and do better—together—for the sake of our nation,” he stressed. 

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada echoed Escudero’s viewpoint saying this is why he has qualms over pursuing Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial. 

“By expressing his desire to reconcile with the Dutertes, the President demonstrates his intent to rise above political bickering and focus on national healing and progress,” Estrada said. 

“Gaya nga ng sinabi ng Pangulo, ngayong tapos na ang eleksyon, tapos na ang batuhan ng putik, mas mabuti na ituon naming mga halal na opisyal ang atensyon sa tunay na gawain sa gobyerno – ang pagbuo ng bansa para sa kabutihan ng lahat (As the President said, now that the elections are over, the mudslinging is over, it is better for us elected officials to focus our attention on the real work of government – ​​building the nation for the good of all),” he said.

“Reconciliation din ang panawagan at dasal ko noon sa ating dalawang pinakamataas na mga lider at ito pa rin ang hiling ko na manaig ngayon (Reconciliation was also my call and prayer for our two highest leaders and this is still my wish to prevail today),” Estrada added.

But as duly elected members of the Senate, Estrada said senators 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 stressed.

Senator-elect Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said Marcos demonstrated what he is truly as a person and as a leader. 

“Very typical of PBBM as a person. His kindness and the goodness of his heart in dealing with people are being interpreted by both his allies and adversaries as a weakness of his leadership,” Lacson said.

“That said, he may need a strong  but well-intentioned ‘bastonero’ in his cabinet who is capable of making government officials, including members of Congress toe the line towards good governance.  Three (3) years remaining in his term is still a long, enough time to make adjustments along this line,” he added.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, meanwhile said that as “the father of the nation” Marcos demonstrated “the best attitude that a President can adopt.”

“Whether others will also change their attitude is already beyond the control of the President,” Pimentel said.

Nevertheless, the minority leader said it is best to follow the “processes” in government. 

“Regarding ‘processes’ in government, the best frame of mind (or ‘attitude’) is for the Rule of Law. Sundin lang kung ano ang naka lagay sa batas (let’s just follow what is stated in the law) both substance and procedure,” he said.

Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito also agreed with Marcos’ idea of reconciling with the Dutertes. 

“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’ve been left behind by our neighbors),” Ejercito said.

“We have so many pressing problems that need us to work together and stay focused. I hope we can just prioritize the country’s current challenges. If we join forces, we can help our people and our country move forward,” he stressed.