Marcos hints at Cabinet post after 1-year ban

DAVAO CITY—Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said he and President-elect Rodrigo Duterte discussed the possibility of his working with the administration after the one-year ban on appointments of defeated candidates expires.

Marcos said this was among the things they discussed during a four-hour meeting at After Dark Restobar here Friday evening.

But Marcos quickly added he had no specific position in mind and that he would serve at the pleasure of the President.

“The details have not yet been ironed out. But if given a chance, it would be an honor,” he said.

He said they mostly discussed Duterte’s priorities, such as the campaign against crime and illegal drugs.

Marcos said he thanked Duterte for saying he would allow the burial of his father, the late Ferdinand Marcos, at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

The young Marcos said he was also thankful for Duterte’s pronouncement he was not giving Vice President-elect Leni Robredo a Cabinet position.

The outgoing senator, who refers to Duterte as his “close friend,” continues to question Robredo’s electoral victory, claiming massive fraud.

In a press briefing in Quezon City the day after his meeting with Duterte, Marcos denied they had discussed a specific Cabinet post for himself.

But he reiterated: “I’m always ready to help in any capacity even if it is just in the form of friendly advice.” With a report from Leila B. Salaverria/rga