Local elections were held in Naga City, Camarines Sur, on May 14, 2007, as part of the 2007 Philippine general election. Voters elected a mayor, vice mayor, ten members of the Naga City Council, and one member of the House of Representatives of the Philippines.

Background

The 2007 Naga City local elections took place during the midterm elections under the administration of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. These elections were particularly significant in the city, as the administration-aligned party fielded a complete slate of candidates to challenge the incumbent Liberal Party leadership that had dominated the city's political landscape for years.

At the time, Naga City was under the stewardship of Mayor Jesse Robredo, a widely respected reformist leader affiliated with the Liberal Party. Robredo, who was serving his third term (or sixth term, counting non-consecutive terms) as mayor, was known for his emphasis on participatory governance and anti-corruption measures.

Seeking to break the Liberal Party’s hold on local power, the administration-backed slate included candidates for mayor, vice mayor, and a full list of city council aspirants. The opposition hoped to capitalize on national political momentum and expand influence in a key Bicol city.

Despite the strong challenge, the 2007 elections reaffirmed the Liberal Party’s political dominance in Naga, with the incumbent group retaining the majority of elective positions, including elective seats in the city council.

Mayoral election

In the mayoral race, incumbent mayor Jesse Robredo secured a commanding re-election victory against Jojo Villafuerte, a member of the influential Villafuerte political family.

Candidates

Declared Jesse Robredo (Liberal), incumbent mayor Jojo Villafuerte (KAMPI) Salam Emilio Delfin (Independent)

Results Jesse Robredo won by a landslide.

Vice mayoral election

Candidates

Declared Gabriel Bordado Jr. (Liberal), incumbent vice mayor Antonio Luis Carpio (KAMPI)

Results

2007 Naga City Council election Source:

The Naga City Council is composed of 12 councillors, 10 of whom are elected by the public. The remaining two are ex officio members.

References