Malacañang on Friday reaffirmed its openness to dialogue with the legitimate opposition while pointing out that criticism without any basis merely derails programs that benefit the public.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said persistent obstructionists with selfish interests would derail the government’s programs and services for the public.

“Ang mga lehitimong oppositionists ay welcome dahil kailangan po iyan sa isang demokratikong bayan. Ang atin lamang hahadlangan ay iyong mga obstructionists na walang ginawa kung hindi manira at kahit maganda ang proyekto ay hahadlangan,” Castro added.

Castro noted Malacañang’s comment against obstructionists was not directed at any individual or group, but a call for constructive engagement from legitimate political opposition.

“Wala tayong pinapangalanan kung sino man. Ito po ay pangkalahatan,” Castro said. “Ang nais po natin sa taumbayan ay huwag maging obstructionist, para magtuloy-tuloy po ang magagandang proyekto at programa ng Pangulo at ng administrasyon,” Castro said.

While the administration recognizes the value of checks and balances and respects the opinion of opposing voices, Castro said persistent obstruction without any basis merely derails programs that benefit the public. | PND