By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA – Political plans for 2028 were not among the agenda when President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited Naga City on Saturday, where he met former vice president, now city Mayor Leni Robredo.
Speaking to reporters after inspecting the ongoing operations under Oplan Kontra Baha at Sagop Creek in Triangulo village, Marcos said he and Robredo did not discuss politics as their priority is public service.
“Hindi namin pinag-uusapan yun. I think mayor will agree with me na serbisyo muna bago politika (We’re not talking about that. I think the mayor will agree with me that service comes first before politics),” the President said.
Marcos quipped that the “most political thing” he did during his visit to Naga City was to “wear pink socks” in honor of Robredo.
Pink became Robredo’s political color when she ran for president in 2026. Robredo, however, lost to Marcos.
Marcos noted that his visit to Naga City had already been scheduled before Vice President Sara Duterte announced her plans to seek the presidency.
“We have been planning this for a few months already,” he said.
Several political analysts and lawmakers have expressed their belief that Robredo is the strongest candidate who could beat Duterte in the 2028 presidential race.
They said Marcos’ possible endorsement could also give a big boost to Robredo’s candidacy.
Marcos, however, said it is too early to talk about politics.
“So, we did not discuss. Serbisyo muna bago politika. Marami pang kailangang gawin. Marami pa kaming kailangang gawin (Service comes first before politics. There is still a lot to do. We still have a lot to do). We will get to that. Aabot din tayo dun (We will also reach that point),” he said. (PNA)
