Fernan Carigma

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was ‘dismayed’ after Vice President Sara Duterte's recent statement saying that they were never friends, as he said during an interview during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, on October 11. 

Photo Courtesy of Philippine News Agency/GMA Network.

"I’m a little dismayed to hear that she does not think we are friends,” President Ferdinand Marcos expressed.

Due to Duterte's sentiments about not being friends with Marcos Jr. last September 18, he thinks the latter might have deceived him.

"I always thought that we were, but maybe I was deceived,” he  added.

He emphasized that until Duterte’s public disclosure, he had no idea she viewed their relationship differently.

Marcos believed that their collaboration during the 2022 election campaign indicated a strong bond between them.

“I don’t know anymore. I’m not quite sure I understand,” he said, conveying his confusion over the situation.

Despite Duterte’s resignation from his cabinet earlier in June 2024, Marcos insisted that their differences had not been personal until her recent public statements.

He denied that his decision to refrain from appointing Duterte as the country’s caretaker during his absence was rooted in distrust, calling it a “practical decision.”