Naga City Mayor and former vice president Leni Robredo on Friday responded to allegations circulating online that her recent bus ride to Manila without security was staged.

In a Facebook post on March 13, Robredo explained that the video showing her at a bus terminal was originally posted by Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chair Marlon Casilao, who was there to see off his mother traveling to Manila.

“Sagot sa fake news ng mga tao na walang kilalang politiko na nag bubus na walang bodyguard na kasama,“ Robredo said.

“Post po ito ni SK Chair Marlon Casilao na nasa terminal din para ihatid ang nanay niya na papunta sa Manila,” Robredo said. “Pasensya na sa mga pasahero na nakasama sa video.”

The photo shared by her executive assistant, Ray-An Rentoy, showed Robredo seated inside a bus reportedly bound for Manila. According to Rentoy, the mayor opted to take a public bus instead of using a government vehicle to help save fuel amid rising oil prices linked to tensions in the Middle East.

Rentoy said the mayor had scheduled visits to several government offices in Manila for official business.

The photo quickly circulated on social media, drawing mixed reactions. Supporters praised Robredo’s simplicity and sensitivity to the country’s economic challenges, while others urged the public not to politicize the incident.

However, former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque questioned the authenticity of the moment.

Roque said the photo would have appeared more credible if it had been taken by ordinary commuters rather than someone from Robredo’s staff.

“Maniniwala sana ako kung kuha ng netizens or ng ordinaryong pasahero,” Roque said.

He added: “Magpakatotoo naman tayo, iyon ang gusto ng mga tao.”