Ex-VP Robredo eyes Naga City Mayoral run in 2025

Former Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo is considering running for mayor of Naga City, Camarines Sur, in the 2025 elections according to Albay Representative and Liberal Party President Edcel Lagman on Thursday.

In an interview with News 5, Lagman revealed that Robredo’s decision to run is driven by her desire to continue the program initiated by her late husband Jesse Robredo.

Jesse was a long-serving local chief executive of the said town and a former secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government.

“Ang last namin na pag-uusap, siya ay tatakbo as a Mayor ng Naga City upang ipagpatuloy ang programa ng kanyang late husband [Jesse Robredo],” Lagman said. 

“At siya naman ay sasama sa national campaign para sa senatorial slate ng Liberal Party at ang mga kaalyansa ng Liberal Party,” Lagman added. 

Robredo's political career took a different turn after she lost to Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in the 2022 Presidential Elections. Subsequently, she launched her non-governmental organization, Angat Buhay.

Regarding speculation about Robredo possibly heading the Department of Education following Vice President Sara Duterte's resignation on June 19, Lagman stated that the decision now rests with Robredo.

He emphasized that the Liberal Party has no control over whether or not she would accept such an offer if it were made.

“Hindi namin ine-expect na siya ay aalukin ng Pangulo. Ngunit kapag siya ay inalok, ‘yan ay pag-aaralang mabuti at iyan at isang opportunity na ipagpatuloy ng ating [dating] Bise Presidente ang sa kanyang pagseserbisyo sa taumbayan,” Lagman said. 

In an interview with reporters on June 21, Robredo clarified that she has informed the Liberal Party of her decision not to pursue a Senate seat in the upcoming elections.  

“Sinarado ko na kaya nagpaalam na ako sa LP. Kaya ako nagpaalam sa LP na hindi na ako tatakbo sa Senado. Sinabi ko na ang preference ko ay tatakbo akong alkalde ng Naga,” the former vice president stated.