NAGA CITY, Philippines — Former Vice President and now Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo assured the public that her upcoming meeting with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will not involve political discussions, emphasizing that her focus remains on addressing the city’s pressing concerns.

On Thursday, Malacañang confirmed that President Marcos will travel to Naga on Saturday, February 21, 2026, to inspect flood control projects under his administration’s “Oplan Kontra Baha” program. The visit will also include a meeting with Robredo, his two-time election rival, who now serves as the city’s mayor.

In an interview, Robredo dismissed speculation that the meeting could touch on the 2028 elections, especially after Vice President Sara Duterte recently announced her presidential bid. “Ako, si Mayor ng Naga, ang focus ko ay problema ng lungsod. Walang politika na pag-uusapan,” she said, stressing that her priority is the welfare of her constituents.

Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan also clarified that the Marcos-Robredo meeting had been finalized well before Duterte’s announcement, underscoring that the visit is purely administrative in nature. “Ang pagkaalam ko, base sa schedule, matagal nang nakaplano ang pagbisita ng Pangulo sa Naga. Walang kinalaman ito sa eleksyon,” Pangilinan said.

The Palace echoed this sentiment, reiterating that the president’s trip is focused on flood mitigation and infrastructure inspection, not political maneuvering. Officials emphasized that Marcos is committed to addressing disaster preparedness and climate resilience in vulnerable areas like Naga.

Robredo’s assurance aims to temper speculation about possible political undertones in her meeting with Marcos. For now, both leaders are expected to concentrate on disaster response and local development initiatives, leaving electoral matters aside.

This meeting marks a rare public engagement between Marcos and Robredo since their heated contests in the 2016 and 2022 elections, drawing national attention but framed firmly around governance and local priorities.