President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reiterated his openness to reconciling with his former running mate, Vice President Sara Duterte, and the Duterte family, but firmly rejected the idea of setting any preconditions for such talks.

The President emphasized that reconciliation talks should be unconditional if the other party is genuinely committed to resolving the political rift that hinders the nation’s progress.

“No, no, that’s not how reconciliation works. You don’t set conditions if you truly want to reconcile. If you’re sincere, then you seek reconciliation,” President Marcos said, responding to reports that some Duterte allies have begun to demand concessions from his administration.

Recently, the Vice President made sharp remarks about key administration events in opposition to the President.

During a media interview after the 46th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia on Tuesday night, the President said he is open to direct talks to thresh out and address any problems.

“Pero ‘yung sasabihin mo: ‘Hindi ako makikapag-usap hanggang ibigay mo sa akin ito, ito,’ eh walang pupuntahan. Tapos na, that’s not reconciliation,” the President said.

“That’s not even a negotiation. That’s demanding. Those are setting conditions… Wala nang pupuntahan. Tapos na ang usapan,” he stressed.

The President admitted that he has opened doors to talk without making preconceived judgments.

“Isipin ko lang: lahat ng hiningi mo, lahat ng hinanakit mo, eh kung kaya ko ayusin, ‘di ayusin ko para tapos na ‘to. Ayoko nga ng kaaway,” he said. | PND