Politics · Philippines Bureau
Marcos views Robredo, local officials as allies despite past rivalry
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signaled a shift in political dynamics by embracing former Vice President Leni Robredo and over a thousand local government executives as allies, transcending previous partisan divisions. Palace officials cited the collaborative approach as the administration seeks unity across the country's local leadership.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has extended an olive branch to former political opponents, including ex-Vice President Leni Robredo, who currently serves as mayor of Naga City, positioning them as allies in his administration's governance framework.
Palace Press Secretary Claire Castro reiterated the shift in tone on Wednesday, indicating that the President is working alongside more than a thousand local chief executives nationwide regardless of their political backgrounds. The move signals an attempt to forge broader coalitions beyond traditional party lines as Marcos Jr. seeks consensus among provincial and municipal leaders.
Robredo, who ran against Marcos Jr. in the 2022 presidential election, has since maintained her role in local governance. Her inclusion in the administration's alliance framework suggests the President is prioritizing pragmatic partnerships with local officials to advance national and regional development objectives.
The administration's approach represents a departure from the polarized political environment that characterized recent election cycles, with palace officials emphasizing collaborative relationships with local government units as central to the President's governing strategy moving forward.