President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed disappointment over Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent statement that they were not truly friends.
Speaking during a press conference on Friday after the 2nd Asia Zero Emission Community Leaders Meeting at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR), Marcos addressed Duterte's remarks.
"I don't know anymore, but I'm not quite sure I understand. I'm a little dismayed to hear that she doesn't think that we were friends," Marcos said.
"I always thought that we were, but maybe I was deceived," the president added.
Duterte made the statement on September 18, when asked by reporters about her current relationship with Marcos. According to her, they were never really friends and only communicated after they became running mates.
The Marcos-Duterte tandem, which ran together in the 2022 national elections under the political alliance "Uniteam," has seen tensions arise in recent months.
Various political issues, including former President Rodrigo Duterte’s criticism of some of Marcos' allies and moves to amend the constitution, have strained their alliance.
Duterte's criticisms have also extended to Marcos’ foreign policy, particularly his more confrontational approach to China, which marks a departure from her father’s China-friendly stance.
The Vice President resigned from her post as Secretary of the Department of Education on June 19, further signaling a rift in their political partnership.
