Palace: Dissent, criticism welcome; ouster plots are not

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Thursday said opposition to President Rodrigo Duterte’s policies and to decisions his administration his made are all welcome.

“The president respects and upholds the constitutional rights of our people to voice out grievances and even dissent against the policies and decisions of the administration,” the Palace said in a statement to explain Duterte’s support for police officers implicated in the killing of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr.

Prior to his being elected president, Duterte repeatedly said he is open to criticism. He said it is part of the territory of governance and democracy.

READ: Duterte open to criticisms

Some of Duterte's decisions -- including an order to reinstate Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Region 8 director Superintendent Marvin Marcos, allowing a hero’s burial for the late President Ferdinand Marcos and his war on drugs despite the number of drug-related deaths -- have been met by criticism and protests.

The Presidential Communications Office, however, said Duterte “will not condone any unlawful move to wrest power from all duly-elected officials of the government, including himself.”

On Wednesday, Duterte alleged that “yellows,” referring to the campaign color used by the Liberal Party, wanted him out because they cannot accept defeat.

He also insinuated that Vice President Leni Robredo is plotting his ouster.

The decimated LP -- down to around 30 seats in the House of Representatives and four in the Senate -- has denied that there are any plots to unseat Duterte. The party's members are in the majority blocs of both Houses of Congress.

Robredo has also denied being behind any plot, saying she does not have the political ability to oust the president.

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