Metro Manila, Philippines – President Bongbong Marcos is set to visit Naga City on Saturday, Feb. 21, and meet former Vice President and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo.
Palace press officer Claire Castro said the visit is in line with the President’s “Oplan Kontra Baha” program, which seeks to clean canals, esteros, and rivers in the city, led by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“Busy ang DPWH para linisin ang mga kanal, estero at ilog sa Naga City,” said Castro.
[Translation: The DPWH is busy cleaning the canals, esteros, and rivers in Naga City.]
Marcos, Robredo alliance for 2028
Political analysts were quick to comment that Robredo remains a strong opposition candidate after Vice President Sara Duterte announced her presidential bid in the 2028 national election.
In a press briefing, Castro mentioned about possible talks between the former presidential rivals: “Kung ano pang pag-uusapan nila, abangan na lang po natin.”
[Translation: Whatever they will discuss, let’s just wait and see.]
“Wala po kasi talagang napag-uusapan patungkol sa pangangampanya o kung sino man ang magiging kandidato sa 2028. Hindi pa po kasi panahon ngayon, napakaaga pa po kasi para tayo mag-announce na ika’y tatakbo o hindi,” Castro said, explaining that it is too early to talk about election plans.
[Translation: There have really been no discussions about campaigning or about who will be a candidate in 2028. It’s not yet the time, it’s still too early for us to announce whether someone will run or not.]
In a separate interview with NewsWatch Plus, Castro said the president doesn’t mind working with someone of a different political color.
“Hindi po kasi tumitingin ang pangulo sa kulay. Kahit ikaw ay hindi sumuporta sa kanya, basta kailangan ng tulong,” said Castro.
[Translation: The president does not look at political color. Even if you did not support him as long as help is needed.]
Castro then said Duterte should act like Robredo: “‘Yan po dapat ang nangyayari sa atin. Hindi puro paninira.”
[Translation: That’s what should be happening to us. It shouldn’t be about just maligning.]
“Yung iba po kasi wala nang ginagawa. Hindi na nagtatrabaho tapos sinisiraan pa yung pangulo at administrasyong ito,” she added.
[Translation: Others are no longer doing anything. They’re not doing their job yet still criticize the president and this administration.]
