Bongbong Marcos Seeks Peace W/ Duterte Camp
BONGBONG MARCOS – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. made it clear that he values stability over conflict, saying he’s ready to work with the Dutertes for the country’s good.
Marcos Jr. has expressed openness to reconciling with the Duterte family amid ongoing tensions, emphasizing his desire for peace and cooperation in governance.
In the first episode of his podcast, Marcos Jr. responded affirmatively when asked if he is willing to mend ties with the Dutertes. “Oo. Ayoko ng gulo. Gusto ko makasundo sa lahat ng tao. Mas maganda. Marami na akong kaaway. Hindi ko kailangan ng kaaway, kailangan ko kaibigan,” the President stated.
Marcos Jr. further underscored his commitment to stability and peaceful relations in the political landscape. “Hangga’t maaari, ang habol ko yung stability, peaceful, para magawa namin ang trabaho namin. Lagi akong bukas sa ganiyan. I’m always open to any approach,” he added. He then extended an invitation for unity, saying, “Halika, magtulungan tayo. Kahit na hindi tayo magkasundo sa polisiya, hindi tayo magkasundo, tanggalin natin ang gulo.”
The relationship between Marcos Jr. and the Dutertes began to deteriorate in early 2024. Former President Rodrigo Duterte and his son, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, publicly criticized Marcos Jr., labeling him as a weak leader and even accusing him of cocaine use.
Watch the video below:
Tensions escalated further when Vice President Sara Duterte resigned from the Marcos Cabinet in mid-2024, later accusing her former running mate of overlooking alleged irregularities within his administration. The conflict intensified when the House of Representatives — under the leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez, a cousin of Marcos Jr. — launched a probe into the Vice President’s confidential funds and eventually voted to impeach her.
The rift reached a boiling point in March 2025 when former President Duterte was arrested and transferred to the Netherlands to face charges before the International Criminal Court (ICC). Vice President Duterte has since blamed Marcos Jr. for her father’s arrest, arguing that it was illegal given the Philippines’ 2019 withdrawal from the Rome Statute.
Despite the political turmoil, Marcos Jr.’s recent statement reflects a willingness to move forward and seek unity — a call for reconciliation in the midst of deep-seated political divisions.
READ ALSO: Imee Marcos Wears Late Father’s Barong at Proclamation Ceremony, Netizens React