MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged newly elected local chief executives to set aside politics and work hand in hand with the national government, vowing support for local initiatives regardless of political affiliations.

In a closed-door “meet and greet” with the local officials, Marcos reportedly emphasized that helping the people should be above political interests. But while the message echoed themes of unity and non-partisanship, the true test of that commitment — especially with midterm elections on the horizon — remains to be seen.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, in a Thursday briefing, shared the President’s statements, underscoring that governance should be rooted in action, not political color.

“Muling binigyang katiyakan ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ang mga local government officials sa patuloy na suporta ng national government sa lahat ng mga programa ng lokal na pamahalaan — ano man ang kanilang political colors, dahil sa Pangulo, aksyon ang kailangan at ‘di pamumulitika,” Castro said.

The President, she added, reminded LGUs that genuine public service starts with unity and love for country — a message that may resonate well in press releases, but one that has often been difficult to maintain in the country’s deeply polarized political environment.

Castro described the gathering as a show of the President’s commitment to a whole-of-government approach, with Marcos pledging national support for LGU-led efforts on disaster preparedness, peace and order, and digital transformation.

“Ang nasabing pagtitipon ay nagpapatunay lamang na serbisyo sa taumbayan at kapakanan ng mga Pilipino ang pangunahing hangarin ng Pangulo,” she said.