Palace Press Officer Claire Castro on Monday did not confirm whether talks of Vice President Sara Duterte seeking a private meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. are factual, although she did assure that Duterte, or anyone with a bone to pick with the President, is welcome to initiate a talk.

“Wala po tayong makukumpirma patungkol po diyan dahil wala naman ding ibinababa sa’tin na anumang impormasyon, kung mayroon ngang ganyang kaganapan,” Castro said during a press conference at Malacañang.

“Ang sabi ng Pangulo, sa una pa lang niyang podcast, kahit sino, sa lahat na maaaring hindi sumasang-ayon sa kanya, siya ay bukas upang makipag-usap para magkaroon ng magandang pagkakaintindihan,” she said, asserting that the sentiment holds true until the present.

Castro clarified, however, that this applies to any Filipino with whom Marcos does not see eye to eye, and is not, nor was it ever an exclusive invitation for Duterte.

“Hindi partikular para kay Bise Presidente, baka kasi magkaroon na naman ng misinterpretation at misunderstanding sa ating mga ginawa na katugunan,” the Palace official said.

In May 19 last year, Marcos expressed willingness to reconcile with political enemies, saying he does not want trouble.

“Ayaw ko ng gulo. Gusto ko makasundo ang lahat ng tao. Mas maganda. Marami na akong kaaway. Hindi ko kailangan ng kaaway. Kailangan ko kaibigan,” President Marcos said.