Malacañang on Tuesday praised former Vice President and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo for recognizing what it described as the Marcos administration’s aggressive implementation of its housing program.
Speaking at a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro welcomed Robredo’s recent remarks commending the government’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program.
“Ang dating nakatunggali ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sa kampanyahan noong 2022 na si Mayor Leni Robredo ay bukas ang mga mata at puso sa mga magagandang programa ng gobyerno,” Castro said.
Castro said Robredo’s comments showed appreciation for government programs despite political differences.
“Ikinalulugod niya at pinahahalagahan ang mga ginagawa ng administrasyon ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. Hindi niya tinatago ang katotohanan sa mga Pilipino ang agresibong pagpapatupad ng pangakong pabahay para sa benepisyaryo,” she added.
In a recent interview in Naga City, Robredo thanked the national government for its housing initiatives and noted that she had not seen a similar level of effort in housing programs for many years.
Robredo, who previously served as chairperson of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council during the Duterte administration, said housing programs previously suffered from limited funding.
“In fact, noong nakaupo ako sa HUDCC, ‘yung problema namin halos walang budget for housing. Pero ngayon, nakikita natin na ‘yung budget for housing nama-maximize talaga,” Robredo said.
Castro said a true public servant recognizes positive government initiatives regardless of political affiliation.
“Ang totoong lingkod bayan ay hindi bulag sa mga ginagawang trabaho at programa ng gobyerno, hindi naninira para sa pansariling pag-angat, at hindi ginagawang katatawanan ang kalusugan, buhay o kamatayan ng isang tao,” she said.
She added that Robredo’s remarks demonstrated recognition of the efforts of President Marcos and his Cabinet.
“Walang hatakan pababa o siraan kung hindi puspusang trabaho lang para sa bayan,” Castro said.
The Palace official also urged the public not to be misled by individuals who, she said, focus solely on criticizing the government rather than recognizing its accomplishments.
The Marcos administration’s flagship housing program aims to address the country’s housing backlog through large-scale housing developments and expanded access to affordable home financing.
