What Bongbong, Duterte discussed in Davao

By Pia Gutierrez, ABS-CBN News

MANILA - What did Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. discuss with Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte during the senator's recent visit to Davao?

Marcos dismissed as speculation that a Duterte-Marcos tandem is in the works for the 2016 elections.

Rumors spread about a possible tandem after the senator's trip to Davao City where he appeared in a local TV program, which frequently features Duterte.

Marcos admitted that he was able to talk to Duterte during his trip but was quick to clear that they have not discussed the elections.

He said their conversation focused on federalism and the Bangsamoro Basic Law. He earlier said he will support Duterte's campaign for a shift to a federal form of government.

He also said he is keeping his options open.

Marcos earlier neither confirmed nor denied if he would be part of a political tandem with Mayor Duterte in the coming elections.

"Sumusunod lang ako kay Mayor Duterte. He is my mentor when it comes to politics. I am merely an admirer," he told "Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa."

Duterte then said: "Hindi ko tuloy malaman kung ako ang presidente o siya."

Marcos then replied: "We will leave it to the commentators to speculate."

MILF DECOMMISSIONING

Meanwhile, Marcos underscored the need to have clearer guidelines on the decommissioning of arms of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

The rebel group is set to symbolically turn over 75 arms to the government as part of the first phase of the decommissioning process on June 16.

"It's a start, but it's a very, very small start. It does not decrease the firepower of the BBL," Marcos said.

He said he is taking into consideration the suggestions that the military decommissioning be part of the law and not only a mere annex to render it more powerful.