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Leni Robredo Fires Back At Fake News Over Manila Trips
Photo credit: Leni Robredo
Former Vice President and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo has broken her usual silence on online trolls, issuing a detailed response to what she described as false claims about her frequent trips to Manila and her use of government resources.
Robredo said she rarely gives attention to trolls because they do not deserve it, but decided to speak out after a misleading social media post circulated online. She explained that she was encouraged by someone she deeply respects to clarify the issue for the public.
According to Robredo, the anonymous account behind the posts has been attacking her since she announced her mayoral bid. She claimed the account has changed handlers over time and alleged that it is being funded by a local politician. She also noted that the account's targets appear to shift depending on the politician's rivals.
Addressing the allegations, Robredo said she travels to Manila only about once a month, usually on Thursdays or Fridays, to meet with national government agencies and private partners while also spending time with her daughters. She stressed that her schedule is publicly documented through her regular social media updates.
She added that these trips have already brought more than **P1 billion** in assistance to Naga City in less than a year, helping fund projects without the city having to borrow money.
Robredo also denied claims that she frequently attends events outside Naga, saying she declines almost all invitations unless they directly benefit the city. She emphasized that she has never charged her official travel expenses to the city government, even when traveling for official functions, and said she personally pays for transportation costs.
The mayor also clarified that she does not use a government-issued vehicle, instead driving a family-owned SUV purchased by her daughter years ago.
She likewise corrected claims about her supposed trip last Wednesday, explaining that her flight to Cebu for a League of Cities-related meeting was canceled, prompting her to return to City Hall and work the rest of the day. She later traveled by bus to Manila for scheduled meetings with the Quezon City government and the Commission on Elections.
Robredo said her official trips are never hidden from the public, noting that she regularly informs residents of her travel schedule and formally designates the vice mayor as acting mayor whenever she is away.
Ending her statement, Robredo urged the public not to fall for misinformation, stressing the importance of verifying facts before believing or sharing online posts.
Robredo said she rarely gives attention to trolls because they do not deserve it, but decided to speak out after a misleading social media post circulated online. She explained that she was encouraged by someone she deeply respects to clarify the issue for the public.
According to Robredo, the anonymous account behind the posts has been attacking her since she announced her mayoral bid. She claimed the account has changed handlers over time and alleged that it is being funded by a local politician. She also noted that the account's targets appear to shift depending on the politician's rivals.
Addressing the allegations, Robredo said she travels to Manila only about once a month, usually on Thursdays or Fridays, to meet with national government agencies and private partners while also spending time with her daughters. She stressed that her schedule is publicly documented through her regular social media updates.
She added that these trips have already brought more than **P1 billion** in assistance to Naga City in less than a year, helping fund projects without the city having to borrow money.
Robredo also denied claims that she frequently attends events outside Naga, saying she declines almost all invitations unless they directly benefit the city. She emphasized that she has never charged her official travel expenses to the city government, even when traveling for official functions, and said she personally pays for transportation costs.
The mayor also clarified that she does not use a government-issued vehicle, instead driving a family-owned SUV purchased by her daughter years ago.
She likewise corrected claims about her supposed trip last Wednesday, explaining that her flight to Cebu for a League of Cities-related meeting was canceled, prompting her to return to City Hall and work the rest of the day. She later traveled by bus to Manila for scheduled meetings with the Quezon City government and the Commission on Elections.
Robredo said her official trips are never hidden from the public, noting that she regularly informs residents of her travel schedule and formally designates the vice mayor as acting mayor whenever she is away.
Ending her statement, Robredo urged the public not to fall for misinformation, stressing the importance of verifying facts before believing or sharing online posts.
Jul 18, 2026
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