Manila: An official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Tuesday expressed support for the potential reconciliation between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte.
According to Philippines News Agency, Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the CBCP – Episcopal Commission on Public Affairs (ECPA), emphasized the positive impact that peace between the nation’s top leaders could have on the country. “Unity and reconciliation are always good for our country,” Secillano stated in an interview with Church-run Radio Veritas, further noting that any desire for reconciliation should be driven by the common good.
In a podcast on Monday, President Marcos expressed his willingness to reconcile with the Duterte family, indicating his desire to avoid any “trouble.” Secillano expressed hope that Duterte would respond positively to the President’s overture, stating, “If the President is offering [peace] to the Dutertes, the latter’s camp should consider it if only for the good and benefit of our country and the Filipinos.”
Marcos and Duterte initially ran together during the 2022 national elections; however, their relationship deteriorated following an investigation into the use of intelligence and confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd), which Duterte headed until her resignation in June of last year. The Vice President is scheduled to face an impeachment trial in July.
