President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited Naga City on February 21 to personally inspect flood control projects and assess the situation in the Bicol River Basin. He stated that the trip focused on public service, not politics, while accompanied by former Vice President and current Mayor Leni Robredo. He also mentioned wearing pink socks in honor of Robredo.
On Saturday, February 21, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited Naga City to personally inspect flood control projects and assess the situation across the Bicol River Basin. He was accompanied by former Vice President and current Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, as well as Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon. They checked the city's waterways and drainage systems, with Marcos dismissing questions linking the visit to political maneuvering.
“You know, we are not talking about that. I think the mayor will agree with me that service must go first before politics,” Marcos said.
He lightened the mood by adding, “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 noted that 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 conducting 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 confirmed that Marcos would meet Robredo and other local officials, but emphasized that the focus remains on service and flood mitigation, not politics. “A suggestion that is appreciated but is untimely,” she said regarding 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.
Robredo expressed confidence that the visit would stay focused on public service, aimed at addressing 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 amid talks of Robredo’s possible 2028 presidential run.
