MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte confirmed on Sunday that he has talked to Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos about a deal on returning the Marcos wealth to the government.

"Nadiscuss niyo po ba yun with Ilocos Gov. Imee Marcos?" a reporter asked Duterte in Davao City during the birthday celebration of Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles.

(Were you able to discuss that with Ilocos Gov. Imee Marcos?)

"Yes, pati si... sino bang nandoon? Yun, sabi nga that they offered to settle," the President answered.

(Yes, together with... who else was there? They said that they offered to settle)

Duterte also said that they did not discuss the exact amount that would be returned by the Marcoses but that he was open to the 'invitation' so that the issue of the Marcos wealth could finally be settled.

"I accept their explanation because there's no other explanation. I do not know anything, I cannot give it to them. Pag sinabi kong I accept the invitation, it's about time that uh this thing is finally settled," Duterte said.

In a speech last Tuesday, the President said the Marcos family was willing to return money plus gold bars to the government.

Gov. Marcos, however, has kept mum on the issue, saying lawyers were handling the matter.

Bayan Muna chairman Neri Colmenares has criticized the alleged offer of the Marcoses, saying the country would be at the losing end of this deal.

Opposition lawmakers have also objected to the alleged Marcos offer.