President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s recent call for reconciliation is a message to the entire nation, not directed at any specific political group or individual, since the rule of law must prevail over personal or political interests, according to the Palace Press Officer.
In a Malacañang press briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Marcos’ remarks on reconciliation were aimed at fostering unity for the country’s progress and were not meant to weaken accountability or the rule of law.
“Hindi po tatalikuran at babaliktarin ng Pangulo ang batas para lamang pagsilibihan ang personal na interest ng iilan. So tandaan po natin, lagi pong sa batas ang Pangulo. Kaibigan o batas, batas pa rin po ang pipiliin ng Pangulo,” Undersecretary Castro said.
Underscoring the President’s intention to promote unity beyond political lines, Castro said: “Maliwanag po ang sinabi ng Pangulo sa lahat ng tao na maaaring hindi kapareho ng kaniyang paniniwala o ng prinsipyo o ng polisiya. Mas maganda kung lahat ng tao ay makakasundo niya para po sa taumbayan, para magkaroon na po nang tuluy-tuloy na pagtatrabaho para sa bansa.”
Castro also addressed concerns that the call for reconciliation was intended only for the Duterte family, clarifying that President Marcos’ invitation for unity extends to all Filipinos, regardless of political affiliation.
“So, huwag nating isentro ang open for reconciliation sa mga Duterte. Hindi po gagawin ng Pangulo na lumabag sa batas para lamang sa isang rekonsilasyon,” Castro said, reaffirming that the President will not sacrifice the Constitution or legal integrity for any reconciliation.
When asked about claims from Duterte allies that reconciliation depends on the former president’s return to the country, Castro clarified that personal or political interests will not influence President Marcos.
“Hindi po magpapahawak sa leeg at hindi po magpapadikta ang Pangulo sa mali. Hindi po tatalikuran at babaligtarin ng Pangulo ang batas para lamang pagsilbihan ang personal na interes ng iilan,” Castro said.
Castro said the President’s call for reconciliation was driven by a desire to foster national stability and unity, and not to placate any faction or individual for political gain.
“Ang pakikipagkasundo po ay para taumbayan hindi para sa personal na interes ng iba. Alalahanin po natin, maliwanag, uulit-ulitin ko ang sinabi ng Pangulo, sa lahat ng tao gusto niya pong makipagkasundo para magkaroon ng stability, magampanan ang dapat magampanan at hindi madiskaril ang trabaho ng gobyerno,” Castro said.
With President Marcos usually described as a kind person or “mabait,” Castro said: “Ayaw po niya (the President) ng away! So ang awayan na ito ang siyang nagpapabagal sa trabaho ng gobyerno dahil puro paninira, puro fake news ang natatanggap ng Pangulo,” she added. | PND
