Leni Robredo Makes a Comeback: Ready to Run for Mayor in Naga City
LENI ROBREDO – The former vice president chooses to run for a local position, stating that her ‘skills are better suited for the mayor’s office rather than the Senate.’
Leni Robredo formally declared her intention to run for Naga City mayor and unveiled the Liberal Party’s (LP) “Team Naga” platform for the 2025 elections. Robredo stressed during a news briefing on Friday that her team’s selection process included in-depth discussions with local groups, people of Naga City, and representatives from a variety of industries.
She clarified that this strategy was based on the custom set by her late husband, Jesse Robredo, who was mayor of Naga for several terms (1988–1998 and 2001–2010). Before then-President Benigno Aquino III named Jesse Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government in 2010, Robredo was well-known for his ability to govern. While going home to Naga in 2012, Jesse unfortunately died in a plane crash.
After her husband passed away, Leni Robredo, who was then a practicing attorney for underserved communities under the Naga-based alternative legal organization, Saligan, was convinced to get into politics. She defeated Nelly Favis Villafuerte, a member of the powerful Villafuerte family, in her 2013 campaign for Camarines Sur’s third district seat. She defeated Ferdinand Marcos Jr. by a slim margin in the 2016 vice presidential contest, and he defeated her in the 2022 presidential elections.
When asked why she chose to run for mayor instead of seeking a Senate seat, as urged by LP party members, Leni explained, “I know my strengths, and I excel in executive roles. I genuinely love community work, and my skill set is better suited for the mayor’s office than the Senate.”
Gabby Bordado, a former vice mayor under Jesse Robredo, is the outgoing representative for the Camarines Sur third district and her running mate for vice mayor. In order to evaluate candidates on their honesty, background, and dedication to public service, over 2,000 Naga citizens took part in consultations.
In addition to incumbent Councilors Gayle Abonal-Gomez, Jess Albeus, Omar Buenafe, Ghiel “Oying” Rosales, and Jose Perez, Leni’s ticket also includes outgoing City Administrator Elmer Baldemoro, former City Budget Officer Frank Mendoza, former Councilor Miles Raquid-Arroyo, and attorney Ariez Macaraig.
When she formally enters the mayoral race, she will relinquish her position as head of the Angat Buhay foundation and file her certificate of candidacy (COC) on Saturday. She would also back Kiko Pangilinan’s and Bam Aquino’s LP Senate campaigns.
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