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Senate President Francis Escudero believes that the casual meeting between President Marcos and former Vice President Leni Robredo in Sorsogon bodes well for Philippines politics, saying it signifies a “first step towards healing.”
In a brief interview with reporters, Escudero said he found it fitting that the three of them would meet inside a sports facility. They attended the inauguration of the Sorsogon Sports Arena in Sorsogon City on Thursday.
“Remember, we were all rivals in 2016 for vice president. They were rivals for president in 2022. VP Leni won in 2016, if you remember. President Marcos won as president in 2022. So, the three of us actually had a history,” Escudero said mostly in Tagalog.
“For me, gathering in a sports arena was quite symbolic—an odd trio, right? And maybe, what happened in the sports coliseum of Sorsogon could serve as a good lesson for politicians,” he added, drawing parallels between sports and politics.
“In politics, we must remember how to be a sportsman; following the rules and regulations and accepting who wins, whether it’s a medal, or in this case, elections.”
Escudero said President Marcos and Robredo just met casually and exchanged pleasantries. They were invited as guests at the inauguration ceremony, which was held as part of the 130th anniversary of Sorsogon and the 50th Kasanggayahan Festival celebrations.
“I think this is the, shall we say, first step towards healing whatever wounds, misunderstandings because, remember, whatever debates or political differences we may have had are not personal. So, I guess, that heals rather quickly than personal conflicts,” the Senate President said.