Aquinos welcome reconciliation with Marcoses

Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III said his family is open to reconciliation with the Marcoses after the camp of his father's known political rival sent condolences for the death of former president Corazon Aquino. In a report by GMA News' Oscar Oida aired on QTV's Balitanghali Monday, Noynoy said his family has always been open to the idea of patching things up with the Marcoses even before his mother passed away. The senator said he does not think anyone in the family would object to a possible reconciliation with the Marcoses, adding that he is actually thankful for the statement of support and prayers from Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. "Kami ay napapasalamat at siguro nga ho pwede maging isang daan yan na baka magkalapitan ng pananaw para sa ikabubuti ng ating bansa [We are thankful, and perhaps this can be a way for us to understand each other more for the sake of the country]," said Senator Aquino. The senator's father, martyr Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., was the bitter political rival of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos. In 1986, Mrs. Aquino replaced then-president Marcos after a civilian-backed military uprising ousted him from his seat. Earlier, Mrs. Aquino's youngest daughter Kris hinted at a possible reconciliation with the Marcoses when she noted the "sincerity" in the prayers they offered for her mother. “Thank you for the Marcoses for praying for mom. I feel the sincerity," she told co-host Boy Abunda in an interview on “The Buzz." Kris said that during one of her last conversations with Mrs. Aquino, the late democracy icon had asked Kris to relay to her political enemies that she had already forgiven them. “Sabi ko gusto mo sabihin ko na lahat ng nakaaway sa pulitika pinapatawad mo na (I asked her if she wants me to tell her political enemies that they are already forgiven), she said yes," Mrs. Aquino’s youngest daughter said. [See: Marcoses' prayers for Cory sincere - Kris.] Former First Lady Imelda Marcos said she was pleased that Kris saw the Marcoses' sincerity. "Pag magkaisa itong dalawang pamilyang ito, milagro ang darating sa sambayanang Pilipino at yan ang pinagdadasal ko (If these two families reconcile, a miracle will happen to the nation. And that is what I am praying for)," Mrs. Marcos said in a television report. Mrs. Aquino passed away early Saturday morning after battling colon cancer. As of posting time, the convoy carrying her remains is on its way to the Manila Cathedral where it will be open for public viewing at certain periods After a 9 a.m. Mass on Wednesday, Mrs. Aquino’s body will be brought to the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City for interment. - GMANews.TV