Philippine President Bongbong Marcos has expressed his willingness to negotiate with the Duterte family. In a podcast with Anthony Taberna, he was asked if he would be open to restoring good relations with the Dutertes. He immediately replied, “Yes. I don’t want trouble. I want to get along with everyone. It’s better.”
Marcos insisted that he needed friends more than enemies. “I already have many enemies, I don't need more. I need friends,” he said. For him, the peace and stability of the country are important for the government to continue its work.
The President is said to be open to any conversation or collaboration, even if they have disagreements on some policies. “I am always open. We may have different beliefs but we still work together,” he added.
The interview took place a week after the midterm elections, in which only six of Marcos' candidates won the Senate. According to some groups, the results were affected by the impeachment of VP Sara Duterte and the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
This is the first time Marcos has spoken about the Dutertes after the ICC arrest order against the former president was confirmed. He has also previously said that the door is not closed for contact with VP Sara. “Never say never,” Marcos said then.
