Leni Robredo kicks off Naga mayoralty bid in Eleksyon 2025

Former Vice President Leni Robredo on Friday started her campaign for Naga City mayor with a vow to uphold people-centered governance at the local level should she be elected into office.

Robredo and the rest of "An Bagong Team Naga" made rounds in Naga City People's Mall in the morning.

The former vice president said their slate promises "ensuring inclusive progress, sustainable growth, and urban development in their happy place."

Joining the "An Bagong Team Naga" activity were outgoing Camarines Sur Representative Gabby Bordado, who is running for vice mayor, and their bets for Sangguniang Panlungsod: incumbent councilors Gayle Abonal-Gomez, Jess Albeus, Omar Buenafe, Joe Perez, and Oying Rosales; former city administrator Elmer Baldemoro; former city budget officer Frank Mendoza; city health officer Butch Borja; former councilor Miles Raquid-Arroyo; and Areiz Macaraig.

"Komunsulta kami sa inyo. Dumaan tayo sa mahabang konsultasyon. Nu'ng napili na sila, nagsimula na kami sa pag-aaral. Meron na kaming mga workshop na dinaluhan. Handang-handa na sa pagtrabaho. Madidiskaril kami kapag nakulangan kami. Kaya ang aking pakiusap: 'Ubos kun ubos, gabos kun gabos' pa rin," she said.

(We consulted you and we had a long process of consultation. When they were selected, we started planning our moves. We attended some workshops. We can say that we are ready to work. Our plans will be derailed if there will be any lacking on our part. So our call: 'If some are getting it, then everyone gets it.')

If elected, Robredo committed to discussing the primary concerns in Naga on basic services such as water, electricity, traffic, and flood control.

The slate later held a color run for all the supporters and a proclamation rally at the Biak na Bato in Barangay Tabuco.

Speaking in Bikolano, Robredo called on her supporters to also vote for ML Partylist spearheaded by former senator Leila De Lima, and to also consider Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan for senator. 

Robredo has been actively participating in the campaign activities of Aquino and Pangilinan. 

Aquino served as Robredo's campaign manager and Pangilinan was her running mate in the 2022 presidential election, where she finished second.

Despite clamors for her to run for a national position in the 2025 midterm elections, Robredo said she never considered gunning for a Senate seat.

She said she made up her mind to run as Naga's top leader as early as June or July 2024.

"Hindi ko naman ito sinabi na even before kasi around June or July this year, nag-decide na talaga ako to run for city mayor dito sa Naga. Nasubukan ko na mag-legislative, nasubukan ko na 'yung executive, sigurado ako na—una, mas mahusay ako sa executive position. Pangalawa, talagang passion ko 'yung community work na ito 'yung buod ng pagiging mayor," she said during her filing of certificate of candidacy in October last year.

(I never mentioned anything about a Senate run because around June or July this year, I finally decided to run for city mayor here in Naga. I've tried legislative work, I've tried the executive branch, and I'm sure that—first, I'm better suited for an executive position. Second, community work is truly my passion, which is the essence of being a mayor.) — VDV/VBL, GMA Integrated News

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