Ordinary Bus Ride Sparks Online Debate Between Mayor Leni Robredo & Harry Roque
LENI ROBREDO – What started as a simple Facebook post from Harry Roque quickly turned into a viral exchange after Mayor Leni shared a revealing video.
Former Vice President and current Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo appeared to respond to former Presidential spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque, after he criticized her for riding an ordinary bus. Roque had posted on his Facebook account last Friday, March 13, 2026, commenting on a photo of Robredo. He said he almost believed it was taken by an ordinary passenger.
“Maniniwala sana ako kung kuha ng netizens or ng ordinaryong pasahero. Magpakatotoo naman tayo iyun ang gusto ng mga tao,” said the lawyer.
Following the post, Robredo shared a video on her own Facebook account that same day, showing a netizen spotting her inside a public bus.
“Sagot sa fake news ng mga tao na walang kilalang politiko na [nagbu-bus] na walang bodyguard na kasama,” the mayor wrote at the start of her post.
The link attached to Robredo’s post leads to a video uploaded on Facebook by Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairman Marlon Casilao. In the video, Robredo can be seen sitting inside the bus while reading something.
According to Robredo, Casilao happened to be at the terminal to accompany his mother when he noticed her.
“Post po ito ni SK Chair Marlon Casilao na nasa terminal din para ihatid ang nanay niya na papunta sa Manila,” she explained.
Robredo also offered an apology to the passengers who appeared in the video.
“Pasensya na sa mga pasahero na nakasama sa video,” she said.
Although Robredo indirectly addressed Roque’s criticism, there has been no new statement, reaction, or follow-up from him regarding her post. The exchange has sparked discussions online about the perception of politicians using public transportation and the importance of transparency in public appearances.
Robredo’s video and post have since circulated widely on social media, with supporters praising her for showing humility and critics questioning the timing and authenticity of the footage. Nevertheless, the mayor’s team maintains that the video is a genuine capture of her ordinary commute, aiming to counter the narrative suggested by Roque’s remarks.
