President Marcos lauded Senate President Francis Escudero for trying to bring about “political reconciliation” by setting up a brief exchange of pleasantries between himself and former Vice President Leni Robredo at an event in Sorsogon City on Thursday.
During his speech at Friday’s ceremonial signing of the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Law, Mr. Marcos pointed out that the meeting Escudero arranged helped soothe hurt feelings arising from an old political rivalry.
“Senate President Chiz Escudero, who has taken a very important step towards political reconciliation yesterday. Well done. I’m so happy you did that,” the President said.
On Thursday, President Marcos shook hands with Robredo as the latter welcomed hit at the inauguration of the Sorsogon Sports Arena.
For his part, Escudero clarified that he was the one who invited Robredo to attend.
“I invited her to represent Bicol in welcoming the president,” he said.
He emphasized that Robredo’s attendance held no veiled significance, as the arena’s inauguration was an event that would draw attendance from top national and local officials.
Robredo won the 2016 vice presidential election against Marcos, who challenged the results in the Supreme Court, which upheld her victory in 2020.
In the 2022 presidential elections, Mr. Marcos decisively defeated Robredo.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Marcos ‘happy’ with Escudero initiating ‘political reconciliation’.”
