The Marcos administration welcomed “legitimate” opposition from other political parties who are leading the Senate race even as it warned “obstructionists” who would use their position for their personal interests, a Palace official said Wednesday.
“Now that our next leaders have been elected, the President is hopeful that each of them, all of them whom the people voted for, will respond to the needs of the people,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing.
“Their job is to work for the people, not for the interests of the few. So whatever political color there is, the President welcomes them and expects them to provide solutions to the problems and respond to the people’s needs.”
Castro, however, warned the government would not allow so-called obstructionists to sow misinformation and disinformation against the President and his administration.
“When you say legitimate oppositionists, they fight for the country, the people’s interest and not for their personal interest. Obstructionists, on the other hand, will do nothing but defame the government. They see nothing good about what the government is doing, and they only want to advance their own interests,” she said.
“The difference is obvious. If they are fighting for themselves and not the people, they are obstructionists…If they produce fake news or statements that could damage the government without basis, we will immediately respond,” Castro added.
The Palace official also dismissed suggestions the results of the elections reflect a so-called “protest vote” or public backlash over the arrest and detention of former President Rodrigo Duterte at The Hague as suggested by Duterte’s former Chief Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo and Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
“That’s simply the narrative they want to push,” Castro said. “If someone must be held accountable and it is in accordance with the law, then they should be held accountable. We should not shield anyone accused of wrongdoing simply because of their political background.”
At least six Alyansa candidates made it to the winning circle based on the initial tally of Comelec — Erwin Tulfo, Ping Lacson, Tito Sotto III, Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid and Camille Villar. Villar, however, was also supported by Vice President Sara Duterte.
Three of the so-called ‘Duter-Ten’ candidates also made it to the Top 12, namely Bong Go, Bato dela Rosa and Rodante Marcoleta.
Presidential sister Imee Marcos, who left Alyansa to run as an independent and was eventually supported by the Vice President, also landed in the Top 12, along with opposition-backed Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan.
President Marcos Jr. on Tuesday thanked Filipinos for ensuring the successful conduct of the 2025 midterm polls, extending his hand in nation-building, and describing the elections as “both a celebration of continuity and a call to act on the real challenges our people face.”
“Once again, our democracy has renewed itself—peacefully, orderly and with dignity,” he said, adding that there are issues that newly-elected leaders must “face head-on,” such as inflation, employment, and corruption, among others.
“Governance is a shared responsibility, a mission that requires unity and burden sharing for the common good. To the newly elected, regardless of party or coalition, I extend my hand. Let us move forward together—with open minds and a common purpose,” the President added.
The Vice President also welcomed the initial results of the 2025 midterm elections, expressing gratitude to supporters who helped five of her senatorial bets land in the Top 12.
“I acknowledge the results of the election and express my deep gratitude to all the supporters who stood with us throughout this journey. This is not the end—it’s a renewed beginning. We invite all citizens—regardless of background or past affiliation—to join us in building a powerful and principled opposition,” she said.