By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
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,” 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, with Marcos winning 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, anumang hindi pagkakaunawaan dahil alalahanin n’yo—anumang debate o pagkakaiba natin ng pananaw ay politikal, hindi personal,” he said.
“So mas madaling maghilom ’yon. Mas madaling maayos siguro ’yon kaysa personal,” Escudero added.