Calls to Return Duterte Highlight Marcos’ Call for Reconciliation
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s call for reconciliation with the Duterte family has sparked a strong response from key allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Sources familiar with the matter emphasize that before true reconciliation can begin, the Marcos administration must first focus on bringing Duterte back from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, where he is currently detained.
One prominent figure close to the former president stressed the importance of sincerity in these efforts. “Importante dito yung sinseridad ng bawat isa. Kung gusto niyo po ng reconciliation, pabalikin niyo muna si Tatay Digong,” he said during an impromptu interview, stressing that genuine reconciliation requires genuine actions first.
Reconciliation Requires Genuine Steps
He further explained that if discussions are to proceed, sincerity must be at the core. “Kung sakali mang meron pag-uusap, and we cannot speak in behalf of the family, but if there is, my personal opinion is that sincerity is very important here. Dapat dito sincere ka sa pag uusap.” The initial step, according to this source, should be to bring Duterte home promptly. “At unang hakbang diyan ay pauwiin si Tatay Digong. Kung kaya niyo pong ipadala sa loob ng labing apat na oras si Tatay Digong alam kong kaya niyo rin pong pabalik dito sa lalong mabilis na panahon.”
Dialogue Should Engage the Former President
It was also highlighted that any official dialogue should be addressed directly to the elder Duterte himself, not to Vice President Sara Duterte or other family members. “Siya naman po muna ang dapat kausapin. Siya yung elder Duterte. Siya yung nag se serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan. Ginawa niya po ang lahat ng sakripisyo ngunit pinadala siya dun sa Hague,” the source lamented, reminding that Duterte has made significant sacrifices for the nation.
There is a continuous call for prayers for Duterte’s health, safety, and freedom. “Kaya po patuloy akong nananawagan, nakikiusap na ipagdasal po natin ang kanyang kalusugan ang kanyang kaligtasan, ang kanyang kalayaan,” he added.
Questions Over Marcos’ Sincerity in Reconciliation
Meanwhile, other influential figures have voiced doubts about the genuine intentions behind the Marcos administration’s reconciliation appeal. One senior official reflected on the deep wounds caused and said, “Wala naman sigurong gustong mag away, lahat naman tayo ay gustong tumahimik tayo at mabuhay ng matiwasay at makapokus sa kabutihan ng ating bansa pero sa lalim ng sugat na in-inflict nila sa amin kailangan talaga ng extreme sincerity hindi ung pahapyaw dahil meron na akong experience sa kanya at kayo mismno nakawitness.”
Based on personal experience, this official expressed uncertainty about the President’s true intentions or sincerity. “Because, based on my experience with him, he said different things and did different things, it’s hard for me to say if he’s sincere or not.” He emphasized that sincerity cannot simply be proven by words but must be demonstrated through concrete actions: “Hindi naman yan mapapatunayan sa salita, sa gawa yan.”
Moving Forward with Reconciliation
As the dialogue about national unity continues, the prevailing message from key Duterte allies is clear: any path to reconciliation must begin with the return of former President Duterte from his ICC detention. They insist that genuine sincerity and direct communication with the elder Duterte are essential for healing and moving forward.
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