President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said on Monday that he wants to be friends again with the Duterte family.
In a talk with a TV host named Anthony Taberna, Marcos was asked if he still wants to fix things with the Dutertes.
He said, “Yes, I don’t want any fights. I want to get along with everyone. It’s better that way. I already have many enemies. I don’t need more. I need friends.”
Marcos said he wants peace and teamwork in running the country. He said, “I’m always ready to work together, even if we don’t agree on everything.”
He added, “We don’t have to agree on everything. Just do your job and don’t cause trouble. Let’s stop the fighting.”
Before, Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte worked together in the 2022 elections. Sara was also the Education Secretary. But later, their relationship became bad, and Sara quit her job.
In January 2024, Sara’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, said mean things about Marcos. He said Marcos was like someone who uses drugs and wanted to be a dictator like his father.
Sara’s brother, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, also said Marcos should leave his job because he does not have a good plan for the country.
Marcos’ wife, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, said she was sad when Sara let her father say bad things about her husband. She felt hurt when Sara joined a protest where people said Marcos was using drugs.
Later, Sara kept saying bad things about Marcos and his family.
The fight got worse after Marcos’ predecessor was arrested for serious crimes in another country. Marcos’ team said they were just following the rules of international police.
