Palace: ‘Obstructionist’ remark not aimed at Duterte allies

MANILA, Philippines — The term “obstructionists” was not directed at allies of former president Rodrigo Duterte but to those who do nothing but attack and hinder government programs, Malacañang clarified yesterday, following criticism from reelectionist Sen. Ronald dela Rosa. 

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro earlier said the Marcos administration is ready to work with “legitimate” opposition to advance the interest of the nation but would fight “obstructionists.”

Castro’s statement, however, did not sit well with Dela Rosa, one of Duterte’s closest allies.

Dela Rosa earlier said Castro had no right to make such a warning. 

“If they want good relations and cooperation, do not start with warning or threatening the senators. You better advise her (Castro),” Dela Rosa told NewsWatch Plus on Wednesday.

At a Palace briefing on Friday, Castro said the senator should not take offense at her comment, saying she did not mention any names.

“With all due respect to Senator Bato dela Rosa, bato-bato sa langit, ang tamaan huwag magalit,” Castro said, referring to a Filipino idiom which means one should not be angered by a statement, thinking it is aimed at them when it is not.

“First of all, we are not naming anyone, this does not apply to particular people or groups. What we want is for the people not to be obstructionists so that the good projects and programs of the President and the administration will continue. We do not threaten, we do not threaten any senator,” she said.

Castro said had Dela Rosa listened to her statement, he would have had a different impression or response. 

Castro maintained the administration is open to “legitimate oppositionists” as it is necessary in a democratic country. 

“We will only oppose those obstructionists who do nothing but find fault with and block even the good projects (of the administration). And that will not be good for the country and for the people,” she said.

Malacañang remained confident the new members of the Senate and House of Representatives will continue to back the Marcos administration’s legislative agenda.

“The election is over…in the eyes of President, there is no longer Alyansa, there is no longer PDP, there is no more political color, all those elected should be united, should cooperate with each other,” Castro said.

Only six of the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas slate, backed by Marcos, won the Senate race.