‘Serbisyo muna bago politika’: Marcos on Naga visit with Leni

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited Naga City on Saturday, February 21, to personally inspect flood control projects and assess the situation across the Bicol River Basin, saying the trip was about public service, not politics.

Marcos, accompanied by former Vice President and now Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo and Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, checked the city’s waterways and drainage systems, dismissing questions linking the visit to political maneuvering.

“Alam mo hindi namin pinag-uusapan 'yun. I think mayor will agree with me na serbisyo muna bago politika,” he said.

(You know, we are not talking about that. I think the mayor will agree with me that service must go first before politics.)

He lightened the mood by saying, “The most political thing that we did today, I wore my pink socks in honor of Mayor Leni.”

Pink was the campaign color Robredo used in the 2022 presidential race, where she lost to Marcos.

Marcos said the visit had been planned for months, citing Naga’s vulnerability to flooding due to heavy rains.

“We have been planning this for a few months already since the situation in Naga is critical due to its location and heavy volume of rain in the region," he said.

Earlier, Naga City officials, led by Robredo, prepared for the visit by carrying out clearing operations as part of the national government’s “Oplan Baha” program. 

On Instagram, Robredo captioned one story: “Ocular for PBBM’s visit,” using the president’s initials.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro previously confirmed Marcos would meet Robredo and other local officials but said that the focus remains on service and flood mitigation, not politics.

“A suggestion that is appreciated but is untimely,” Castro said when asked about speculation that Marcos might endorse Robredo for 2028. 

She added, “Everyone must stop politicking for now,” describing Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent candidacy announcement as “irrelevant” to the president.

Castro teased other possible activities for Marcos in Naga, saying simply: “Abangan (watch).”

Meanwhile, Robredo said she was confident the visit would stay focused on public service, saying the inspection aimed to address critical flood risks in Naga City and nearby Camarines Sur.

The meeting between Marcos and Robredo, former rivals in the 2022 elections, drew public attention despite swirling talks of Robredo’s possible 2028 presidential run.