The Presidential Communications Office confirmed that the President’s trip will focus on inspecting ongoing flood mitigation and clearing operations under the administration’s anti-flood initiatives, particularly the clearing of canals, esteros, and rivers by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
According to Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, the visit is part of the government’s continued efforts to address flooding concerns and improve infrastructure in vulnerable areas, stressing that governance — not politics — remains the administration’s top priority.
Joint Appearance of Former Rivals Draws Public Attention
Castro confirmed that Marcos and Robredo will be together during the inspection in Naga, a development that quickly drew public and political attention given their history as former rivals in both the 2016 vice-presidential race and the 2022 national elections.
Their upcoming public engagement marks another rare instance of the two leaders appearing in the same official event, following a previous encounter during the inauguration of the Sorsogon Sports Arena in 2024.
Despite the political symbolism attached to their joint appearance, the Palace dismissed claims that the meeting signals any form of alliance or early political alignment ahead of the 2028 presidential elections.
Palace: “No Politics Yet”
Malacañang also downplayed online suggestions that the administration is courting Robredo or exploring potential political coalitions for the next election cycle.
Officials emphasized that discussions about candidates, alliances, or campaign strategies for 2028 are premature and not part of the administration’s current agenda.
“The focus of the President is work — addressing flooding issues, improving the economy, and uplifting the lives of Filipinos,” Castro said in a briefing, reiterating that governance efforts will not be affected by political speculation.
Duterte’s Early 2028 Declaration Adds Intrigue
The political conversation intensified after Vice President Sara Duterte publicly announced her intention to run in the 2028 presidential elections, an early declaration that has reshaped public discourse and fueled discussions about possible future alliances and rivalries.
However, the Palace maintained that Duterte’s announcement does not affect the President’s focus on governance and economic priorities, and denied any notion that the administration feels threatened by early campaign positioning.
Focus Remains on Flood Mitigation Efforts
For now, Malacañang reiterated that the Naga visit is centered on the government’s flood control initiatives, particularly the implementation of anti-flood programs aimed at mitigating long-standing flooding problems in key areas.
While officials encouraged the public to “watch out” for developments during the visit, they firmly clarified that the engagement is anchored on public service rather than politics.
Still, the optics of a Marcos–Robredo meeting in Naga — a key political stronghold — continue to generate intense online reactions, with observers closely monitoring whether the event will remain a governance-focused inspection or evolve into a politically significant moment as the country gradually inches toward the 2028 election season.