President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is scheduled to visit Naga City in Camarines Sur on Saturday, Malacañang said, downplaying speculation the trip has political implications in connection with the 2028 elections.

Naga City is the political bailiwick of former Vice President Leni Robredo, Marcos’ rival in the 2022 presidential race. 

Asked if the visit signals an effort to court Robredo as a possible ally against Vice President Sara Duterte in 2028, Malacañang said the administration is not engaged in political maneuvering.

Duterte announced Wednesday that she is running for president in 2028.

“There is no update about courting anyone,” Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said in Filipino on Thursday. 

“As we said yesterday, politics or looking for candidates for 2028 is not on the mind of the President or this administration,” she added.

Political analysts have said Robredo could pose a challenge to Duterte should she run for president.

But Castro said the President’s focus remains on governance, not electoral alliances.

“The time for that will come,” she said. “For now, the President is focused on work — addressing flood-related issues and improving the economy.”

She said Marcos will visit Naga City to inspect the progress of the government’s Oplan Kontra Baha at Sagop Creek, a key waterway in the area.

Asked if Marcos and Robredo might discuss other matters, including a possible political alliance, Castro said it was “something the public can watch out for.”

“As for any other discussions, we will have to wait and see,” she added, emphasizing that Marcos is not affected by Duterte’s political plans but remains focused on governance.

“If the President were to focus only on what the Vice President says, this government would not function. His focus remains on improving the economy, raising the quality of life of Filipinos, and solving longstanding flooding problems,” Castro said.