NAGA CITY — Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo defended a P500-million national government grant awarded to the city on Monday, addressing allegations from a lawmaker who characterized the funding as politically motivated “pork barrel.”

In a detailed social media post, Robredo responded to statements made by Caloocan Representative Edgar Erice during a congressional session.

Erice questioned the Department of Budget and Management over the distribution of the Local Government Support Fund, asking why Naga City was prioritized over poorer municipalities in the Bicol Region.

Robredo explained that the funding was requested to rehabilitate the Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum, which serves as the city’s primary evacuation center during severe disasters.

She cited that the facility’s urgent need for repair became critical after typhoon “Kristine” caused unprecedented flooding across Naga City and Camarines Sur in 2024.

Constructed in 2009, the 12,000-seat facility is the largest indoor arena in South Luzon. Originally named the Naga City Coliseum, the City Council renamed the building in late 2012 following the death of former Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo.

“In February 2026, we were told that the request was approved in principle,” Robredo said, adding that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. formally approved the Special Allotment Release Order on 23 February.

The grant allocates P450 million for the physical repair and structural reinforcement of the coliseum and P50 million for heavy disaster-response equipment.

Robredo said physical construction is expected to begin in October following the relocation of several government and non-government offices currently housed inside the venue.

Bidding for the project was scheduled for September and is undergoing post-qualification review.