Marcos meets Robredo in Sorsogon event

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

PBBM MEETS LENI. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. shakes the hand of former Vice President Leni Robredo during the inauguration of the Sorsogon Sports Arena on Thursday (Oct. 17, 2024). Senate President Chiz Escudero, former governor of the province, said he invited Robredo in Sorsogon to welcome the President on behalf of Bicolanos. (Courtesy of PCO via PNA)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday met with former Vice President Leni Robredo in Sorsogon province.

Marcos briefly shook the hands of Robredo and former Senator Bam Aquino at the venue’s holding area.

According to Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, he invited Robredo to welcome Marcos on behalf of the Bicol Region.

Escudero served as Sorsogon governor from 2019 to 2022 and initiated the construction of the new arena.

Communications Secretary Cesar Chavez, who was also in the event with Marcos, said Robredo welcomed the President at the entrance of the venue.

“She welcomed the President at the entrance of the sports arena. Katabi ni former VP Leni si former Sen. Bam Aquino sa pag-welcome kay PBBM (Former Sen. Bam Aquino was at the side of former VP Leni to welcome PBBM),” he told Palace reporters in a text message.

Marcos lost to Robredo in the 2016 vice presidential race.

The two faced off again six years later in the 2022 presidential elections, this time Marcos won convincingly to become the 17th President of the Republic.

This is the first time the two were seen together in public after the 2022 polls.

In a media interview after the program, Escudero said Robredo was supposed to join Marcos and other officials on stage.

However, the former vice president had to leave for another appointment in Naga City where she is running for mayor.

Despite their brief interaction, Escudero said he believes that it could be the start of “healing” for Marcos and Robredo.

“Tingin ko ito ay unang hakbang tungo nga sa, ika nga, paghilom ng mga sugat, ano mang hindi pagkakaunawaan dahil alalahanin nyo – anumang debate o pagkakaiba natin ng pananaw ay pulitikal, hindi personal (I think this is the start of the healing of wounds, whatever misunderstanding, because remember, whatever debate or political differences we may have, nothing is personal),” he said.

“So mas madaling maghilom yun. Mas madaling maayos siguro yun kesa personal (That is easier to mend than a personal one).”