President Marcos’ call for reconciliation following the elections applies to all groups, including political rivals, but it will never come at the expense of accountability, Malacañang said Wednesday, May 21.
Manila Bulletin
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Marcos' peace offering open to all, but won't let unity excuse wrongdoing — Palace
Philippines
National
Marcos' peace offering open to all, but won't let unity excuse wrongdoing — Palace
Marcos' peace offering open to all, but won't let unity excuse wrongdoing — Palace
Published May 21, 2025 01:08 pm
At A Glance
- Castro said the President remains committed to national unity but firmly rejects the idea that political reconciliation should be used to shield anyone from prosecution.
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Bongbong Marcos/YouTube)
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said this after several sectors pointed out that Marcos’ peace offering should not come at the expense of accountability.
In her press briefing, Castro said the President remains committed to national unity but firmly rejects the idea that political reconciliation should be used to shield anyone from prosecution.
“Mas maganda kung lahat ng tao ay makakasundo niya para po sa taong bayan, para magkaroon na po ng tuloy-tuloy na pagtatrabaho para sa bansa (It would be better if he could reconcile with everyone for the benefit of the people, so we can continue working for the country),”
However, she said this did not mean Marcos would ignore the law.
“Hindi po gagawin ng Pangulo na lumabag sa batas para lamang sa isang reconciliation (The President will never violate the law just for the sake of reconciliation),” Castro said.
The Palace Press Officer added that Marcos’ offer of unity should not be centered solely on the Duterte camp.
“Tandaan po natin, huwag po tayo mag-focus sa sinasabing open for reconciliation para lamang sa mga Duterte (Let’s not focus on the narrative that reconciliation is only for the Dutertes),” she said.
“Ang pakikipagkasundo po ay para sa taong bayan, hindi para sa personal na interes ng iba (It is for the nation, not for anyone’s personal interests),” she added.
Castro stressed that while the President seeks peace and political stability, he is not offering immunity.
“Wala pong nabanggit na hindi niya ipapatupad ang batas. Wala pong nabanggit na magpapatawad siya kung may nagkasala (He never said he wouldn’t enforce the law or that he would pardon someone who has done wrong,” she said.
Conditions rejected
Castro also responded to calls from allies of former president Rodrigo Duterte that reconciliation should be contingent on Marcos taking steps to bring the former president back to the country or even submitting to a hair follicle drug test.
“Hindi po magpapahawak sa leeg at hindi po magpapadikta ang Pangulo sa mali (The President will not be held by the neck or dictated upon to do something wrong),” she said.
“Kaibigan o batas, batas pa rin ang pipiliin ng Pangulo (Friend or law, he will always choose the law),” she added.
In the first episode of his podcast released on Monday, May 19, President Marcos said he is open to reconciling with all groups, including the Dutertes.
“Ayoko ng gulo. Gusto ko makasundo sa lahat ng tao. Mas maganda (I don’t want trouble. I want to get along with everyone. That’s better),” he said.
“Marami na akong kaaway. Hindi ko kailangan ng kaaway, kailangan ko kaibigan (I already have many enemies. I don’t need more; I need friends),” he added.
The President’s offer of reconciliation comes in the wake of rising tensions between his administration and allies of the former president, including Vice President Sara Duterte, who is facing an impeachment complaint over alleged misuse of confidential funds and public threats against top officials, including Marcos himself.