Team Naga files certificates of candidacy

By Jason B. Neola

FORMER Vice President Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo officially filed her certificate of candidacy for mayor of Naga on Saturday, October 5. Robredo was accompanied by her running mate, Camarines Sur 3rd District Rep. Gabriel Bordado, and their full ‘Team Naga 2025’ council slate as they submitted their candidacies at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office.

Before filing her candidacy, Robredo paid a visit to the grave of her late husband, former Interior Secretary and long-serving Naga mayor Jesse Robredo.

The ‘Team Naga 2025’ council slate includes incumbent city councilors Jess Albeus, Gayle Abonal-Gomez, Melvin Ramon Buenafe, Jose Perez, and Ghiel Rosales; former councilor Miles Raquid-Arroyo; City Administrator Elmer Baldemoro; City Budget Officer Frank Mendoza; lawyer Aries Macaraig; and former city health officer Dr. Butch Borja.

In a brief media interview, Robredo revealed that she decided to run for mayor around June or July, emphasizing her deep connection with grassroots community work. “I'm really passionate about community work, which is what a mayor should focus on—not just managing a city, but ensuring that community work is at the core,” she said.

Robredo and her slate also received the endorsement of incumbent Mayor Nelson Legacion, who announced his own candidacy for the 3rd District representative of Camarines Sur.

Team Naga Leni Robredo (4th from right) with incumbent Naga Mayor Nelson Legacion (2nd from left) and Punong Barangays led by Liga ng mga Barangay President Corazon Peñaflor of Barangay Calauag.