Leni bares Naga City mayoral bid

MANILA, Philippines — Former vice president Leni Robredo yesterday formally announced the candidates who will run under her slate in next year’s elections in Naga City.

Robredo, who will run for mayor under the Liberal Party, tapped Camarines Sur Rep. Gabriel Bordado as her running mate.

Before his stint in Congress, Bordado served as vice mayor under Robredo’s late husband and Naga’s long-time mayor, Jesse Robredo.

“All of those with me were evaluated based on three categories: ethical standards and capacity, and experience in governance,” the former vice president said at a press briefing.

She said the candidates in her slate were vetted through extensive consultations conducted with Naga’s residents and organizations representing different sectors.

Over 2,000 Nagueños participated in the vetting process.

Included in Robredo’s slate as city councilors are incumbent councilors Jess Albeus, Gayle Abonal-Gomez, Omar Buenafe, Jose Perez and Oying Rosales; former councilor Miles Raquid-Arroyo; outgoing city administrator Elmer Baldemoro; outgoing city budget officer Frank Mendoza; former city health officer Dr. Butch Borja and lawyer Areiz Macaraig.

The slate is expected to file their certificates of candidacy today.

It remains unclear if Robredo will run uncontested.

Naga City Mayor Nelson Legacion, who is still eligible to run for reelection, has yet to announce his plans.

Robredo has yet to endorse a candidate for the congressional seat to be vacated by Bordado.