President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday declared “public service comes before politics” as he brushed aside talk of political alliances and focused instead on addressing the city’s worsening flooding problem.
The President made the remark during his visit to inspect the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) Oplan Kontra Baha (OKB) operations in Naga City. He was welcomed by Naga City Mayor Maria Leonor "Leni" Robredo and other local officials.
When asked in an interview about possible political alignments ahead of the 2028 national elections, Marcos downplayed the issue.
“Hindi namin pinag-uusapan ‘yun. Alam mo, I think the mayor (Robredo) will agree with me na ano, serbisyo muna bago politika (We’re not talking about that. You know, I think the mayor (Robredo) will agree with me that it’s service first before politics),” the President said.
Lightening the mood, Marcos added, “The most political thing that we did today, I wore my pink socks. My pink socks in honor of Mayor Leni.”
The President stressed that he would not engage in political discussions during the visit, emphasizing that his presence in Naga City was aimed at helping resolve what he described as a “very critical issue” — flooding that affects not only Naga City but also the wider province of Camarines Sur and the Bicol Region.
“That’s what we are concentrating on,” he said, underscoring the national government’s readiness to extend assistance to local government units (LGUs).
“Kung sino ang nangangailangan ng tulong (That’s why whoever needed a help), the national government is here to help. I came from local government, that's why I have great sympathy for the situations of local government,” Marcos said.
“Whoever comes to us for help, we will do what we can to help. This is not an increase, not a decrease. It’s not political. It’s only because it depends on the need, and that’s why we are here today,” he added.
The OKB operations in Naga City began on February 18, 2026, and are set to run until 31 July 2026.
The initiative covers 29 rivers and creeks and two lakes, and includes the large-scale cleaning and clearing of the city’s drainage system.
The project aims to improve water flow, reduce flood risks, and strengthen disaster preparedness in a region frequently battered by typhoons.