Harry Roque Questions Mayor Leni Robredo’s Commute Choices
HARRY ROQUE – A simple bus ride by Mayor Leni Robredo turned into a hot topic after Harry Roque voiced his opinion on social media.
A public exchange unfolded after former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque commented on a circulating photo of former vice president and current Leni Robredo riding a public bus on her way to Manila.
The photo, which quickly gained attention online, was originally shared by Ray-An Rentoy. In the image, Robredo can be seen seated inside an ordinary passenger bus reportedly bound for the capital.
According to Rentoy, the mayor chose to commute as a practical way to save on government resources amid the rising cost of fuel and other petroleum products. He explained that Robredo had scheduled visits to several government offices in Manila, which required her to travel from Naga City.
The councilor added that instead of using an official government vehicle, the mayor opted to take public transportation as a cost-saving measure.
However, Roque raised doubts about the situation after seeing the circulating photo. In a Facebook post published on Friday, March 13, 2026, the former Palace spokesperson suggested he might have believed the moment more easily if the image had been taken by an ordinary passenger.
“Maniniwala sana ako kung kuha ng netizens or ng ordinaryong pasahero,” he wrote at the start of his post.
Roque also added, “Magpakatotoo naman tayo iyun ang gusto ng mga tao.”
His remarks sparked discussion online, with supporters and critics weighing in on whether the photo genuinely captured an ordinary moment or was simply shared for public attention.
Robredo later responded to the reactions on the same day. The Naga City mayor shared a post by Marlon Casilao, who recorded a video showing her inside the bus.
In her response, Robredo addressed accusations circulating on social media that the scene was staged.
“Sagot sa fake news ng mga tao na walang kilalang politiko na [nagbu-bus] na walang bodyguard na kasama,” she said.
The mayor explained that the video came from Casilao, who happened to be at the terminal while accompanying his mother, who was traveling to Manila.
“Post po ito ni SK Chair Marlon Casilao na nasa terminal din para ihatid ang nanay niya na papunta sa Manila. Pasensya na sa mga pasahero na nakasama sa video.”
The exchange between Roque and Robredo has since fueled debate online, with netizens discussing the authenticity of the moment and the broader issue of how public officials present themselves to the public.
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