Castro cites Robredo’s transparency record in defense of ₱500-M Naga grant

Metro Manila, Philippines – Malacañang cited Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo’s record of transparency in defending the city’s ₱500-million national government grant from claims that it was politically motivated.

Palace press officer Claire Castro said Wednesday, Sept. 22,  that Robredo had publicly explained how Naga secured the funding and where the money would go, calling her a credible voice on the Local Government Support Fund.

“Hindi matatawaran ang honesty. Nagbibigay ng resibo itong si Mayor Leni Robredo sa bawat transaksyon,” Castro said.

[Translation: Her honesty cannot be questioned. Mayor Leni Robredo provides receipts for every transaction.]

“Hindi pinagdududahan, walang mga aliases na mga resibo,” she added.

[Translation: They are not questionable, and there are no aliases in the receipts.]

Castro did not identify anyone when she mentioned aliases.

Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense team confirmed before the Senate Impeachment Court that names listed on acknowledgment receipts for confidential fund disbursements by the Office of the Vice President and Department of Education were aliases. 

Castro made the comments after Caloocan City Rep. Edgar Erice threatened to challenge the proposed ₱58.53-billion LGSF for 2027 before the Supreme Court.

Erice has described the fund as a presidential pork barrel, arguing that it gives the chief executive broad discretion over billions of pesos intended for local governments. 

Castro said Erice was free to bring the issue before the courts but should ensure that his challenge had a legal basis.

She rejected claims that LGSF allocations were released without sufficient review.

“Hindi po ibinibigay ang pondo basta-basta,” Castro said.

[Translation: The funds are not simply handed out.]

Of the ₱500 million, ₱450 million will finance the rehabilitation and retrofitting of the Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum. The remaining ₱50 million will be used to acquire heavy equipment for disaster response.

Castro said Robredo’s experience showed how the fund could support local governments and their constituents.

“Tingin natin, sa ating palagay, ay isang taong may kredibilidad si Mayor Leni Robredo para ipaalam sa ating mga kababayan kung ano ang naitutulong ng LGSF sa mga local government units,” she said.

[Translation: We believe Mayor Leni Robredo has the credibility to explain to the public how the LGSF helps local government units.]

Castro also cited the Supreme Court’s ruling in Belgica v. Executive Secretary in arguing that the LGSF itself was not prohibited.