By Jimwell Aquino

PHOTO: Jimwell Aquino/ExplainED PH

Mindanao civic leader and former opposition candidate Samira Gutoc said on Sunday, June 12, that she is willing to work for President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.'s administration if a post is offered to her.

In an exclusive interview with Explained PH, Gutoc asserted that she would want to work for the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) or any position involving peace-building and gender consciousness.

"I've always been open to be available to work on ayuda, to work on peace, to work on gender and development. Why not ‘di ba? Pinag-iisipan ko syempre kung anong departamento tayo makakatulong,” Gutoc said.

Citing her work experience as a former Bangsamoro Transition Commission member under President Duterte, the Marawi civic leader underscored that she could be fitting to work on DSWD matters. 

Despite failing to clinch a Senate seat in the recent elections, Gutoc stated that she will continue to advocate for peace talks, contradicting the remark of incoming National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos, who stated that there is no need for dialogues with communists unless they talk about change.

"[If] no peace talks, sayang naman. Kailangan 'yung nakita nating [results] sa Bangsamoro struggle, peace talks ang nangyari [roon]. Baka magkaroon tayo ng another Kawit revolution kung tayo ay hindi nagkakausap-usap," she added.

Gutoc was spotted at the Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite to commemorate the 124th anniversary of the Philippines' independence, surrounded by Marcos Jr.'s key allies, such as Majority Leader Martin Romualdez, Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla, and incoming Justice Secretary Boying Remulla.


Edited by Audrei Jeremy A. Mendador