MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. heads to Naga City on Feb. 21 to check progress on a flood control program, joined by Mayor Ma. Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo. Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro announced the plans during a briefing Thursday.

“Oplan Kontra Baha has already launched in Naga City under the President,” Castro said in Filipino. “Department of Public Works and Highways teams are clearing canals and esteros right now. The President will tour those sites with Mayor Leni Robredo.”

The visit marks a rare public outing together for Marcos and Robredo, who clashed as rivals in the 2016 vice-presidential race and the 2022 presidential contest. Robredo, a former vice president, now leads Naga City as mayor.

Castro dismissed speculation that Marcos seeks Robredo as an administration candidate to counter Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s 2028 presidential run. “No discussions yet on courting the former vice president for the administration’s bet against Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio,” she said.

“Too early for 2028 talk,” Castro added. She stressed Marcos’s priorities lie in boosting the economy and tackling a recent flood control scandal.

On Wednesday, Duterte-Carpio declared her presidential bid for 2028. The announcement ramps up friction between the Marcos and Duterte political dynasties, long dominant in Philippine politics.

Naga City, in the Bicol region, faces chronic flooding. Oplan Kontra Baha aims to dredge waterways and improve drainage. Public Works personnel started work ahead of Marcos’s arrival.

Robredo’s office confirmed her role hosting the president. No further agenda details emerged from the Palace.

Political observers watch the pairing closely. Robredo built a strong opposition base in 2022, nearly upsetting Marcos. A Marcos-Robredo team-up could reshape alliances before the midterms and beyond.

Marcos took office in 2022 promising infrastructure fixes, including flood mitigation. Critics point to delays and corruption claims in some projects. The Naga trip offers a chance to showcase action on the ground.

Duterte-Carpio, Marcos’s vice president, has distanced herself lately. Her 2028 move signals a potential split in their alliance, formed during the 2022 campaign.

Castro reiterated the Palace focus. Economic recovery tops the list, she said, with flood defenses a key piece amid climate pressures on coastal areas like Bicol.