Senators Back President’s Call to Reconcile with Dutertes
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. earned praise from senators after expressing his willingness to reconcile with the Dutertes. This move to set aside political differences and focus on the needs of Filipinos gained significant support among lawmakers.
Senate President Francis Escudero expressed agreement with the President’s message. “Sang-ayon ako sa panawagan ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na isantabi ang pulitika at ituon ang pansin sa mga pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan,” he said. He emphasized that leaders must not be consumed by politics when many Filipinos struggle daily just to make ends meet.
Escudero appreciated the humility shown by the President in acknowledging that the recent election results indicate a public desire for unity and a government focused on people’s welfare rather than political drama. “In admitting that he is open to reconciling with the Vice President and the Duterte family, he reminds us that the welfare of the Filipino people should always take precedence over personal differences and partisan disputes,” he added.
“Malinaw po ang mensahe ni Presidente: now is the time to build bridges, not burn them. We owe it to our people to rise above division and do better—together—for the sake of our nation,” Escudero stressed.
Calls for National Unity and Healing Amid Political Challenges
Similarly, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada echoed the call for unity. He expressed reservations about pursuing Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment, emphasizing that the President’s openness to reconciliation signals a focus on healing and progress. “Gaya nga ng sinabi ng Pangulo, ngayong tapos na ang eleksyon, tapos na ang batuhan ng putik, mas mabuti na ituon naming mga halal na opisyal ang atensyon sa tunay na gawain sa gobyerno – ang pagbuo ng bansa para sa kabutihan ng lahat,” Estrada said.
He also shared his hope for reconciliation between the nation’s top leaders. “Reconciliation din ang panawagan at dasal ko noon sa ating dalawang pinakamataas na mga lider at ito pa rin ang hiling ko na manaig ngayon,” he added. However, Estrada reminded that senators have a constitutional duty to act on impeachment complaints and must uphold integrity and due process.
Senator-elect Panfilo Lacson praised the President’s kindness and leadership style, which some mistakenly perceive as weakness. He suggested that the administration may benefit from a strong yet well-intentioned enforcer within the cabinet to ensure government officials and lawmakers adhere to good governance. “Three years remaining in his term is still a long, enough time to make adjustments along this line,” Lacson noted.
Emphasizing Rule of Law and Government Processes
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel commended the President’s approach, calling it the best attitude a leader can have. He added, however, that whether others change their stance is beyond the President’s control. Pimentel also stressed the importance of following legal procedures. “Sundin lang kung ano ang naka lagay sa batas both substance and procedure,” he said, highlighting the need to respect the rule of law.
Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito supported the President’s idea of reconciliation, pointing out that political conflicts have only held the country back. “Napag-iiwanan na tayo ng mga karatig nating bansa,” he said. Ejercito urged lawmakers to prioritize the country’s pressing challenges, believing that working together would help the nation progress.
For more news and updates on political reconciliation, visit Filipinokami.com.