Malacañang reaffirmed on Wednesday that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will uphold the rule of law and will not twist it to benefit the personal interests of others.
This statement follows a podcast in which President Marcos Jr. expressed his willingness to pursue reconciliation with the Duterte family.
In a media briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro stressed that the concept of reconciliation should not revolve solely around the Dutertes, and that reconciliation must remain within legal bounds.
The remark came after a question was raised about whether Marcos would support the return of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the Philippines in the name of political reconciliation.
"Tandaan po natin, 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," said Castro.
"So, tandaan po natin, lagi pong sa batas ang Pangulo. Kaibigan o batas? Batas pa rin po ang pipiliin ng Pangulo," she added.
Castro emphasized that reconciliation efforts are intended for the benefit of the Filipino people, not to serve anyone’s personal interests.
She reiterated the President’s message that he is open to reconciliation with everyone, as it aims to promote national stability, ensure the continuity of government functions, and prevent disruptions in public service.
"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," Castro firmly explained.
"So, ang pakikipagkasundo sa lahat, hindi lamang para sa mga Duterte, ay tama lang po na gawain ng Pangulo bilang ama ng bansa. Magsasakripisyo na siya kahit siya na po iyong sinisiraan, kahit siya na po iyong binibigyan ng maling kuwento at binibigyan at ginagawan ng peke na video – iyan po ang dapat na gawin talaga ng isang ama ng bansa," she added.
Moreover, Castro clarified that the President never mentioned granting forgiveness to anyone who may have committed wrongdoing.
She emphasized that the call for reconciliation is solely aimed at preventing further conflict, ensuring stability, and fulfilling his commitments to the Filipino people.
