Leni steps into history as Naga’s first female mayor

By Ryan Mostar

Former Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo has officially made history as the first woman to be elected Mayor of Naga City, following a landslide victory in the May 2025 local elections.

Robredo, who ran under the Liberal Party banner, was proclaimed on May 13 after garnering an overwhelming majority of the votes. Her win marks a return to local governance and reaffirms her long-standing commitment to public service rooted in the city she calls home.

Robredo’s return to city hall is seen by many as a continuation of the legacy of her late husband, Jesse Robredo, who served as Naga mayor for nearly two decades and was known for transforming the city into a model of effective local governance.

Her slate, “An Bagong Team Naga,” included Rep. Gabriel Bordado Jr. as her vice mayoral running mate — another figure closely associated with the Robredo administration during its formative years. The team was formed following a series of consultations with over 2,000 Nagueños, ensuring a participatory and community-driven approach to candidate selection.

In her campaign, Robredo emphasized ethical leadership, grassroots participation, and a clear roadmap for inclusive development. Among her priorities as mayor are improving public services, disaster preparedness, economic opportunity for local businesses, and engaging youth in civic participation.

As she prepares to assume office on June 30, Robredo’s historic win is being hailed as a new chapter in Naga’s political story — one that celebrates both continuity and progress.

“Naga has always been a city of firsts,” said a local supporter. “Now, it has its first woman mayor — and she’s one of the most trusted leaders in the country.”

Robredo previously served as representative of Camarines Sur’s 3rd district from 2013 to 2016, and as the 14th Vice President of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022.

With her return to city leadership, residents of Naga — and the broader Bicol region — are hopeful for a new era marked by responsive, transparent, and people-centered governance.