MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is scheduled to visit Naga City this Saturday, February 21, 2026, to inspect the administration’s “Oplan Kontra Baha” (Anti-Flood Program). The visit is drawing significant national attention as the President is set to meet with his two-time political rival, former Vice President Leni Robredo, who now serves as the city’s mayor.
While the official agenda focuses on flood mitigation projects, political observers are questioning if the meeting will delve into broader national issues or potential “healing” between the long-standing rivals.
Key Details of the Visit:
- Flood Inspection: Naga City has been a focal point for the President’s anti-flood initiative, following the devastating waist-deep floods during Severe Tropical Storm “Kristine” in 2024, where Robredo was famously seen wading through water to assist residents.
- Palace Stance: When asked if the meeting would venture into political topics, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro told reporters to “wait and see,” adding that the primary focus remains on the starting phases of the Oplan Kontra Baha program.
- Political Context: The meeting comes on the heels of Robredo’s recent luncheon with key opposition allies—her first such gathering since 2022—which has sparked rumors about her potential 2028 presidential bid. It also follows Vice President Sara Duterte’s announcement of her own 2028 candidacy.
A History of Rivalry and “Healing”
The Saturday meeting marks the second face-to-face encounter between Marcos and Robredo since their heated 2022 presidential race. Their first post-election meeting occurred in October 2024 during the Sorsogon Sports Arena inauguration, a moment then-Senate President Chiz Escudero described as the “start of healing of the wounds.”
The President’s visit to Naga also signals a continued crackdown on “ghost flood control projects,” a campaign aimed at eliminating kickbacks in local government infrastructure. For Naga, the success of these legitimate projects is crucial, as the city remains vulnerable to typhoons and significant drainage issues.