Ex-VP Robredo officially announces mayoral run in Naga, unveils slate

Former Vice President Leni Robredo. | PHOTO: Official Facebook page of Atty. Leni Robredo

NAGA CITY — Former Vice President Leni Robredo on Friday, Oct. 4, officially announced her candidacy for mayor of Naga City while unveiling the “Team Naga” slate for the 2025 elections.

At a press briefing, Robredo, who has strong roots in Naga’s political scene, shared that the selection of her team’s candidates involved a series of consultations with city residents, various sectors, and local organizations.

“During this process, we encouraged locals to nominate and evaluate potential candidates,” Robredo said, adding: “This is a tradition started by former Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo, and we continue it today.”

Outgoing Camarines Sur Third District Rep. Gabby Bordado was chosen as Team Naga’s candidate for Vice Mayor. Bordado served as Naga’s vice mayor during Jesse Robredo’s administration.

Running with Robredo are incumbent Councilors Gayle Abonal-Gome, Jess Albeus, Omar Buenafe, Oying Rosales, and Jose Perez; outgoing city administrator Elmer Baldemoro; former city health officer Dr. Butch Borja; outgoing city budget officer Frank Mendoza, former Councilor Miles Raquid-Arroyo; and lawyer Ariez Macaraig.

All candidates under Robredo’s slate are scheduled to file their certificates of candidacy on Saturday.

When asked why she chose to run for mayor instead of a national position, Robredo 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.”