Earning the votes of an overwhelming majority, Leni Robredo becomes the first female local chief executive of Naga City, calling it a “full circle moment.” Robredo reflects on the chance to honor and expand the legacy of her late husband, former Mayor Jesse Robredo. ((Photo courtesy of Robredo’s daughters, Aika and Jillian)
Former Vice President Leni Robredo has been officially proclaimed as the new mayor of Naga City, securing a landslide victory in the May 12, 2025, local elections. Robredo garnered over 84,000 votes, accounting for more than 91% of the total votes cast, defeating her three independent opponents.
Her running mate, former Camarines Sur Representative Gabriel Bordado Jr., was also elected as vice mayor, obtaining 51.64% of the vote.
Robredo’s return to local politics is seen as a continuation of the legacy of her late husband, Jesse Robredo, who served as Naga’s mayor for nearly two decades and was renowned for his commitment to ethical governance. Running under the Liberal Party-backed “An Bagong Team Naga,” her campaign emphasized transparency, community engagement, and the revitalization of public services.
The overwhelming support for Robredo and her slate underscores the enduring strength of the “Pink Movement,” a grassroots campaign that emerged during her 2022 presidential bid. This movement continues to influence Philippine politics, as evidenced by the successful Senate comebacks of her allies, Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan, in the 2025 elections.
