PhilStarGlobal-May 20
With some groups blaming the defeat of administration candidates on the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte and the arrest of her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, President Marcos said yesterday he is open to reconciliation with his political foes. In a podcast posted on his YouTube channel, broadcaster Anthony Taberna asked Marcos whether he is open to restoring his relationship with the Dutertes. Marcos said he is “always open to any approach” and that even if he and his critics “don’t agree on policies,” they can always focus on work without stirring trouble. His interview came exactly a week after the midterm polls. Only six senatorial candidates endorsed by Marcos made it to the Senate. Marcos also said he may have to be tougher to get things done and to instill fear among wrongdoers and underperformers in government. He acknowledged that the recently concluded midterm polls reflected the Filipinos’ disappointment with government services. “That’s what we are supposed to be doing. It’s good that the election is over. Enough of politics. Let us work. Let us do what we are supposed to do,” the President told Taberna. Marcos said the administration’s priority projects include those in the tourism, health and transportation sectors. He noted some projects like the Metro Manila Subway do not have problems but would take time to complete.
Marcos said he has realized that not enough attention was given to small things that would improve the daily lives of people, like the train queues and the traffic situation. “We will now give attention to these,” he said. Marcos also attributed the slow movement of government initiatives to what he described as “contradictory” laws. He said unlike in a private corporation, where something is carried out once ordered by the chief executive officer, the President has to convince a lot of people to implement something. Marcos reiterated that the impeachment trial of Duterte is now in the hands of the Senate. “There is a process for that. Let us allow the process to take its course. For me, what’s on my mind is that the election is over. Back to work,” he said. Read more at: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/05/20/2444360/marcos-willing-reconcile-dutertes
