A political analyst believes that healing the rift between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the Duterte family could pave the way for stronger leadership and greater unity in addressing the country’s most pressing problems.
According to a report from the Philippine News Agency (PNA), Stratbase ADR Institute president Dindo Manhit expressed support for President Marcos’ willingness to reconcile with the Dutertes, stressing that unity among top leaders would allow the government to zero in on external threats and other critical matters.
“Of course, sa bayan natin mas magandang may unity because the greatest challenge is outside,” Manhit said in an interview in Taguig City on Tuesday.
He emphasized that if reconciliation were to happen, it should be rooted in the values of transparency and institutional integrity. “Sana the reconciliation or the unity of our political leaders is based on the core principles of accountability and truth and also respect of institutions,” he added, in reference to the looming Senate impeachment trial involving Vice President Sara Duterte.
President Marcos had earlier expressed his openness to patch things up with the Duterte camp. In the inaugural episode of his BBM Podcast, he reiterated his preference for cooperation over conflict.
“Ako palagi akong bukas sa ganyan… I’m always open to any approach na ‘halika mag-tulungan tayo,’” Marcos said, stressing the importance of stability and peace in achieving his administration’s goals.
