With six administration-backed candidates landing in the ‘Top 12’ of the recent senatorial elections, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was satisfied with the results of the midterm elections, Malacañang said Wednesday.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro told reporters President Marcos is optimistic that all newly elected senators, regardless of political affiliation, will work for the interest of the Filipino people rather than narrow personal or partisan goals.
“Now that our next leaders have been elected, the President hopes that each one of them who was voted for by the people will respond to the needs of the citizenry,” Castro said in Filipino.
“Their work is for the country, for the people, not for the interests of a few,” she added.
Castro emphasized that while the administration welcomes the presence of a “legitimate opposition, it draws a firm line against what she referred to as “obstructionists.”
“A legitimate opposition fights for the nation, not for personal interest,” she said.
“Obstructionists are those who do nothing but destroy, who see nothing good in the government’s efforts, and only seek to advance themselves,” Castro added.
Asked how the Palace distinguishes between the two, Castro said the difference is clear based on intentions and actions.
“The difference is obvious. If they are fighting for themselves and not the people, they are obstructionists,” she said.
When asked how the administration intends to “fight” obstructionists, Castro pointed to the spread of false information as one key front.
“If they produce fake news or statements that could damage the government without basis, we will immediately respond,” she said.