Palace: Marcos Jr. prioritizes law over personal ties in Duterte reconciliation

Malacañang affirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will prioritize upholding the law over personal relationships, even in the context of potential reconciliation with the Duterte family.

This statement came in response to remarks by former presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo suggesting that reconciliation depended on Marcos facilitating the return of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the Philippines.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized that the President would not compromise the law for personal interests or to serve the agenda of a few individuals.

Castro clarified that Marcos Jr. would not allow himself to be controlled or dictated to regarding wrongdoing and would not bend the law for the sake of reconciliation.

The Palace's stance also addressed concerns that a reconciliation could potentially undermine accountability efforts, particularly with Vice President Sara Duterte facing an impeachment trial.

Former President Duterte is currently detained at The Hague, facing charges of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The Dutertes have previously stated that Marcos Jr. should be held accountable for allowing their father's arrest and transfer to the ICC.