On Tuesday, November 2, Presidential aspirant and Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa stated in an interview with CNN Philippines’ The Source that he does not treat the former Senator Bongbong Marcos as an enemy but as an ally.

“Kami ni Senator Bongbong ay hindi magkalaban, magkakampi po kami,” Dela Rosa said when asked about the Cebu City meeting between Marcos and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

Marcos’ camp recently shared a photo of their meeting with the media but did not provide further details. According to Mayor Duterte, she only talked to Marcos regarding her regional party, Hugpong ng Pagbabago, and how she could help for his presidential campaign. 

Dela Rosa also expressed understanding of Mayor Duterte’s friendly gesture saying he ‘did not feel any insecurity upon the support she gave to Marcos. 

“Really, to be honest with you, I did not feel any insecurity pagdating sa support ni Mayor Inday Sara. Ang sabi lang ni Inday Sara (when it comes to Mayor Inday Sara’s support. She only said) she will find ways and means on how to support the candidacy of Sen. Bongbong Marcos,” Dela Rosa said.

Two days after Mayor Duterte’s meeting with Marcos, Dela Rosa also met with her in Davao to remind her about the November 15 deadline for substitution of political candidates.

Dela Rosa publicly expressed that he would give way if Mayor Duterte decides to run for president and drop her reelection bid. 

Dela Rosa is running in tandem with Senator Bong Go in the 2022 elections under PDP-Laban party, while Marcos of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas is yet to announce his running mate.

However, Mayor Duterte remained firm about her candidacy for reelection despite the calls for her to seek the presidency.