Naga city: Naga City's PHP500 million coliseum rehabilitation grew out of a disaster-safety request made months before the national government released the funds, Senator Francis Pangilinan said Thursday, rejecting speculation that the project was tied to political alliance-building.
According to Philippines News Agency, city records show that Mayor Leni Robredo wrote Pangilinan on Nov. 13, 2025, requesting support for the retrofitting of the Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum. The local government identified it as its largest indoor facility and a strategic evacuation center with structural and functional limitations. The city council subsequently endorsed the request, estimating the improvements at PHP500 million.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. eventually turned over a PHP500 million Special Allotment Release Order for the project during his Feb. 21 visit to Naga, when he also inspected flood-mitigation works with Robredo. The national funding covers structural strengthening, upgraded roofing and drainage, sanitation facilities, a community kitchen, and medical-response areas.
Pangilinan said his office coordinated with the Office of the President through Executive Secretary Ralph Recto to help secure national support for the project. He issued the statement after Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice questioned the PHP500 million allotment and raised the possibility that political considerations influenced its release, including an effort to draw Robredo closer to the Marcos administration.
Erice raised the issue while questioning the release of Local Government Support Fund allocations. Pangilinan suggested that Erice visit Naga to understand the need to repair and retrofit the stadium during floods, such as what happened in 2024.
The coliseum was used as an evacuation and relief center in October 2024 when Severe Tropical Storm Kristine dumped about 700 mm. of rain on Naga within 24 hours. Robredo again flagged deficiencies in the city's evacuation facilities in November 2025, saying the coliseum was not originally designed as an evacuation center and identifying retrofitting as an urgent disaster-preparedness requirement.
Pangilinan described the rehabilitation as a 'dual purpose' investment, with the coliseum continuing to serve sports and civic activities during normal conditions while functioning as a shelter when disasters strike. 'Kaligtasan ng lahat ng Pilipino ang ating prayoridad (The safety of all Filipinos is our priority),' he said.
