President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. (second from left) joins former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (left), First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos during the Bagong Pilipinas Kick-Off Rally in Manila on January 28, 2024. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA -- Presidential son and Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos dismissed Wednesday the incessant criticisms being received by his father from his critics, including former president Rodrigo Duterte. 

“To tell you the truth, ako, sanay na ako eh. I’ve been in politics long enough to know that’s how the game works. And my dad (President) same thing naman,” the junior Marcos said when interviewed at the sideline of the Lakas-CMD-PFP’s signing of the “Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas,” where they also welcomed their party’s possible alliance with other political parties. 

“It’s nothing new. There have always been accusations, there have always been mudslinging. So, so that’s nothing new,” he added. 

But as far as his mother – First Lady Lisa Araneta-Marcos -- is concerned, the reaction to all the intrigues will really be different, the congressman said.    

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“My mother is not as quite as used to it as both us (he and his father). So, her reaction in that interview that all of you have seen is I guess, is always being protective of us. So, I think we can sympathize with that,” the younger Marcos explained. 

Asked what would be his Mother’s Day message for his mother, Rep Sandro said: “That I hope huwag sya magalit masyado.” 

“Not to be so mad anymore. Like I said, I think naninibago lang siya. And she's not used to being exposed to this kind of publicity. So, I understand naman where she's coming from,” the lawmaker said. 

Marcos said he is not aware about Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte’s reported criticisms against them, and maintained that he continues to respect the former presidential son. 

The congressman also conveyed to Duterte his readiness to listen to whatever concerns he has. 

“I still have the utmost respect for him (Mayor Duterte). I still consider him a friend,” Rep Marcos said. 

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“If he wants to talk to me about it... anytime, he has my number,” he said. 

As for the tirades made by former president Rodrigo Duterte against his father, the junior Marcos refused to comment. 

“I’m not gonna comment on the statements of any former presidents. Because I don’t think it would be appropriate. I still think, given that they are former heads of state, they should be afforded the same respect hat the current head of state should be afforded as well,” the younger Marcos said. 

On the West Philippine Sea issue, Rep Marcos also echoed the stand of his father. 

“Same stand that any Filipino should have. We are protecting our sovereign territory,” the congressman said. 

As for the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas’s plan to further solidify its force through various alliances with other parties, Marcos believes that the President will continue to “bring in as many parties as possible,” to ensure that unity will reign in the country’s political arena in the 2025 elections.