Leni Robredo Assumes Office as First Female Mayor of Naga, Vows Corruption-Free Governance
Naga City, Philippines — July 1, 2025, Former Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo officially assumed office on Monday as the newly elected mayor of Naga City, pledging to lead a transparent, accountable, and corruption-free administration throughout her term. Her oath-taking ceremony took place at the Naga City People’s Hall and was administered by Court of Appeals Associate Justice Ramon Cruz. Robredo was joined by her daughters, Aika and Jillian, along with her siblings Butch and Jean Robredo.
In her inaugural address, Robredo delivered a firm and unambiguous message to her constituents: integrity in public service will be non-negotiable under her leadership. “There will be no corruption under my term,” she stated, drawing strong applause from the audience. She emphasized her administration’s zero-tolerance policy on the misuse of government resources, particularly warning against inflated procurement practices and the inappropriate use of public supplies and fuel. “We will not allow inflated pricing or the use of government resources for personal gain. Gasoline and office supplies are for official functions only,” she added.
Robredo’s election marks a significant milestone in the city’s political history, as she becomes the first woman to hold the mayoral post in Naga. The position was once held by her late husband, Jesse Robredo, who also served as Secretary of the Interior and Local Government and was widely recognized for his exemplary leadership and commitment to good governance prior to his untimely death in 2012.
As part of her inaugural message, Mayor Robredo unveiled a strategic governance framework titled “2028 Finish Lines,” which outlines the long-term development goals of her administration. The blueprint focuses on strengthening the local economy through inclusive policies, transforming Naga into a cleaner, greener, and flood-resilient city, and improving public safety, mobility, and urban order. Additional priorities include ensuring access to quality healthcare, education, and decent housing, while also preserving Naga’s rich cultural heritage, local language, and identity.
A significant part of her vision includes the planned renovation of the Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum. Robredo aims to modernize the facility into a multipurpose venue that will accommodate community activities and also serve as a reliable evacuation center during natural calamities.
Further reinforcing her commitment to responsive governance, Robredo highlighted the importance of embracing digital innovation and civic participation. She expressed her aspiration for Naga to become a national model of a transparent, agile, and citizen-centered local government. “We envision a local government that is open, agile, and citizen-focused—one that places Nagueños at the center of development,” she remarked.
Robredo’s return to local public service has been positively received by many observers, who view it as a continuation of her long-standing commitment to ethical leadership and grassroots empowerment. Her new role as mayor is expected to bring renewed momentum to the city’s progress and serve as an example for other local government units across the Philippines.
The ceremony concluded on a note of unity and optimism, with Mayor Robredo reiterating her dedication to honoring her husband’s legacy and reaffirming Naga’s reputation as a national benchmark for effective and principled governance.
