Albay’s Rep. Cabredo pursues final term

By Rhaydz B. Barcia

FOR the third time, Rep. Fernando Cabredo (3rd District) of Albay filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) the other day, seeking reelection in the upcoming 2025 polls.

Cabredo, a protégé of former lawmaker and current Ligao City Mayor Fernando Gonzalez, is aiming for his final term in office.

Accompanied by his family, Mayor Gonzalez, his uncle retired Judge Arnulfo “Noling” Cabredo, and supporters—including aspiring candidates and incumbent local officials from his district—Cabredo reaffirmed his commitment to public service.

A champion of agriculture, environmental protection, countryside development, women empowerment, and education for the less fortunate, Cabredo vowed to push for rapid economic transformation in Albay’s third district.

If reelected, Cabredo plans to enhance infrastructure projects, focusing on expanding major highways to four lanes in Pantao, Libon, Pio Duran, and the Ligao-Tabaco City road network through Sabloyon, improving accessibility to key ports for economic growth.

He emphasized that the expansion of major road networks in these areas will lead to better connectivity and foster economic development in his district and neighboring areas.

Cabredo noted that his district is evolving into an economic hub, with several regional offices, including the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Bureau of Fire Protection, along with the construction of the Bicol University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ligao.

A former chief of staff to Congressman Fernando Gonzalez, Cabredo first entered politics in the May 13, 2019 election. He was chosen by Gonzalez to succeed him and defeated independent candidates Reno Lim, Mario Marcos, and Elmer Felix Pornel of the Partido Federal Ng Pilipinas (PFP).

In the 2019 midterm elections, Cabredo received a total of 107,384 votes, defeating his three rivals. In 2022, he ran for reelection under the National Unity Party (NUP) without opposition, as former challenger Reno Lim withdrew his candidacy.

Despite being unopposed, Cabredo secured his second term as Albay's 3rd District representative with 165,111 votes, surpassing his previous total. As an unopposed candidate, he needed only one vote to be declared a winner and was among 38 unchallenged candidates for district representative in 2022.

However, in the upcoming midterm elections, Cabredo will face a significant challenge from Polangui Mayor Adrian Salceda, the nephew of outgoing Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda, for the 3rd District of Albay.

Cabredo acknowledged the tough competition but expressed to The Manila Times his readiness for the political battle, emphasizing the importance of clean and honest elections.

REPRESENTATIVE Fernando Cabredo (3rd District) of Albay shows a copy of his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for his re-election bid in the upcoming 2025 polls. He was accompanied by Ligao City Mayor Fernando Gonzalez (rightmost), and his family. (Rhaydz Barcia)