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Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro in a press conference on August 17, 2026. (Courtesy: RTVM / Screenshot)
Malacañang on Monday declined to confirm social media reports that Vice President Sara Duterte had sought a private meeting with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., but said the president remains open to dialogue with anyone, including those who disagree with him.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Palace had not received any information confirming that Duterte had made such a request.
“Wala po tayong makukumpirma patungkol po diyan dahil wala naman din pong ibinababa sa atin na anumang impormasyon kung mayroon ngang ganyang kaganapan,” Castro said in a Palace briefing.
(We cannot confirm anything about that because no information has been given to us that such an event took place.)
The Office of the Vice President neither denied or confirmed the reported request when asked by reporters.
Asked whether Mr. Marcos would agree to a private meeting should Duterte formally request one, Castro described the question as hypothetical.
She, however, pointed to the president’s earlier remarks that he remains willing to talk with people who disagree with him in an effort to reach a better understanding.
“Sa lahat ng kababayan natin, sa lahat ng tao ay open ang Pangulo (The President is open to everyone),” Castro said.
Castro stressed that President Marcos’ openness to dialogue should not be interpreted as a specific offer to meet or reconcile with Duterte, warning that such a reading could lead to “misinterpretation and misunderstanding.”
The Palace’s response comes amid renewed speculation over the relationship between Mr. Marcos and Duterte, who ran under the coalition UniTeam in the 2022 elections but have since become political rivals.
Their political alliance has fractured over disagreements involving government policies, congressional investigations, and the vice president’s political and legal battles.
Duterte has also faced an impeachment case, further intensifying tensions between her camp and the Marcos administration.
Despite the strained relationship, Castro said President Marcos’ willingness to engage in dialogue extends to all Filipinos. — Charles Dantes
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Credit belongs to: www.manilastandard.net
