PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. described his current relationship with the family of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte as ‘complicated’.
This was Marcos’ response when asked about his relationship with the Dutertes during the presidential forum of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP).
Marcos was also asked how he would continue his alliance with VP Sara despite her family’s open criticism of the administration’s policies.
According to the President, just like during the campaign, there hasn’t been any change in his relationship with VP Sara.
“The one, of course, that I have the most contact with is Inday Sara and how we’re with each other during the campaign. after the election, it hasn’t really changed,” said Pres. Marcos.
He also said that he often checks on the Vice President to see if she’s okay amidst the controversies.
According to Marcos, VP Sara’s response is simply…
“I said, ‘oh, are you all right na you’re in the middle of all of these?’ she says, ‘no, I’ll just work. Don’t worry about it. I’ll just work and work and work and work.’ That’s her attitude,” Marcos stated.
In the Maisug Rally in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, held on Sunday, Former Duterte said that Marcos Jr. wants to stay in power by pushing for a charter change.
FPRRD advised Marcos Jr. to be content with a 6-year term.
FPRRD: No secrets when discussing national security
Meanwhile, among the heated issues between Marcos and FPRRD is the supposed ‘gentleman’s agreement’ or ‘secret agreement’ regarding the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
At the FOCAP Forum, Marcos said that if he had known about a secret agreement last year, he wouldn’t have hesitated to withdraw from it.
When asked how he plans to hold President Duterte accountable for this, Marcos said that the government needs to determine what this agreement is first.
However, BBM said that he doesn’t see it as a responsibility against FPRRD for now because he hasn’t seen the actual agreement— and that he wanted to see the documents regarding this issue.
To recall, FPRRD has denied the alleged secret agreement and insisted that no one in the Philippines today, including the Supreme Court, Presidency, or Congress, can agree to anything regarding territories.
“But let me be very clear on this, we have not conceded anything to China. there might have been exchange of control over the China Sea, but those were really territorial in nature not involving the encroachment of China in our exclusive economic zone, that’s different,” said Duterte.
Former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque previously stated that they agreed with Chinese President Xi Jinping to maintain the status quo in disputed territories.
This means allowing resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal as long as they don’t bring repair materials to fix the BRP Sierra Madre.
“The only thing I remember was that status quo, that’s the word, no movement, no arm patrols there, as is where is, to avoid any disturbance,” Duterte clarified.
FPRRD also clarified that there are no secrets when it comes to national security.
The Former President also added that he doesn’t decide alone, but consults the National Security Council (NSC).
No plans to increase EDCA sites in Philippines—PBBM
On the other hand, Marcos also mentioned in the FOCAP forum that there are no plans for the Philippines to grant the United States access to more military bases in the country under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).
Marcos also denied that the nine military installations designated as EDCA sites triggered China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
