Former Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo asserted that reconciliation between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Duterte family can only begin if former President Rodrigo Duterte is brought back to the Philippines.
In a recent interview, Panelo was asked about President Marcos’ earlier statement expressing openness to reconciliation with the Duterte family, emphasizing his desire to avoid conflict and promote unity for national stability.
Panelo responded by stating that the return of Duterte is a prerequisite, especially as the former president’s arrest and detention at the International Criminal Court (ICC) facility in the Netherlands was, in his view, clearly illegal.
He further said that reconciliation may also take place if President Marcos is sincere and begins to address the country’s many pressing issues.
President Marcos’ public call for unity has been welcomed by several key national officials and organizations.
Among those who expressed support for his statement were the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), senators, congressmen, and other stakeholders.
Former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque echoed similar sentiments, arguing that while he criticized the president’s remarks, reconciliation could begin if Marcos finds a way to secure Duterte’s release from ICC custody.