MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang rejected assertions by Caloocan representative Edgar Erice that the administration is giving infrastructure funds to Naga City to politically ally with former Vice President Leni Robredo.
On Sept. 15, Erice questioned the P500-million special allotment released to retrofit the Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum in Naga City, saying, “Is the president politicizing this because he wants Mayor Leni Robredo to be his ally?”
In a press briefing on Thursday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro questioned Erice’s claims, saying, “Where did he get that from?”
Castro explained that funds allocated for local government units (LGUs) are based on development needs rather than political considerations.
“Assistance to local governments makes no distinctions; whatever a local government needs is what can be addressed, provided the means are available,” Castro said in Filipino.
“Just because former Vice President Leni Robredo—now Mayor Leni Robredo of Naga City—received this kind of assistance, does that mean it is an act of politicking? Is it being viewed with malice?” Castro inquired.
