Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo announces the presidential proclamation on the 68th birthday of her husband, former city mayor and Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo.
ALBAY, Philippines – Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo announced on Wednesday, May 27, that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared Naga a multi-urban city (HUC).
“On Jesse’s birthday, we received good news from Malacañang that the PBBM has signed a declaration that Naga is a multi-city city. Many thanks to all who helped us reach this status,” Robredo said in it post.
(On Jesse’s birthday, we received good news from Malacañang that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed a proclamation declaring Naga a multi-city city…. Many thanks to everyone who helped us reach this status.)
The announcement comes after Naga City Council passed Resolution No. Naga is the 34th city in the Philippines to be recognized with HUC status, signifying its sustained economic growth and institutional development.
HUC status is the highest classification of a city in the Philippines, requiring an annual revenue of P50 million and a population of at least 200,000. Naga is the first city in the Bicol region to achieve HUC status.
Naga’s HUC status will also give the city full autonomy from the Camarines Sur provincial government, allowing it to receive its tax allocation directly from the national government. Under Local Government Regulations 1991Naga will be administratively separated from the state, and its residents will no longer vote for state candidates during elections.
Section 452 of the Local Government Code states: “Qualified voters in cities with multiple cities shall not be included in voting for elected provincial officials. Unless otherwise provided in the Constitution or this Code, qualified voters from independent parts of cities shall be governed by their charters, as amended, on the participation of voters in state elections.”
Following the president’s announcement, the Electoral Commission has the authority to issue a resolution to hold a debate, allowing residents to decide on the city’s new status.
Under Article X, Section 10 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution and Section 453 of the Local Government Code of 1991, “no local government unit may be created, divided, merged, abolished, or substantially altered in its boundaries without the approval of a majority of votes cast in a referendum.”
Honoring Jesse
During the event, Naga City Vice Mayor Gabriel Bordado Jr. he honored the legacy of inclusive governance and good governance left by Jesse Robredo, who served as mayor of Naga for six terms over 19 years. Jesse was later appointed secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government during the Aquino administration, a post he held until his tragic death in a plane crash near Masbate on. August 18, 2012.
“But what Mayor Jesse Robredo did, why should we not forget him, why should we always remember him…. He is the one who put Naga City on the map of good government not only here in the Philippines but throughout Asia.,” Embroidery said.
(But about what Mayor Jesse Robredo did, why can’t we forget him, why should we always remember him…. He is the one who put Naga City on the map of good governance, not only here in the Philippines, but in the whole continent of Asia.)
Leni expressed her deep gratitude to everyone who continues to respect her late husband, even 14 years after his death. (READ: Leni Robredo remembers: The day Jesse died)
“We as the whole family are always thankful that even after a long time, 14 years this year, many people still remember him not only on his birthday but also on the anniversary of his death. In the activities of our lives, it is important for us children, brothers of Yes, that besides us, everyone still feels his love for Yes.,” Leni said in her speech.
(Our whole family is very grateful that even after so long – 14 years this year – many people still remember him, not only on his birthday but also on the anniversary of his death. In the midst of our busy lives, it means so much to me, our children, and Jesse’s siblings that everyone continues to make us feel their love for him.)
She shared that remembering her husband’s lessons serves as her compass when she goes through difficult situations and makes difficult decisions for the welfare of the people.
“I heard the lessons I got from Jes from the time I was a member of parliament until I became the vice president, but I always remember what he told me now as a mayor. The things I remember he said before also guide my decisions,Leni added.
(I have felt the results of the training I learned from Jesse since I was a member of parliament until I was vice president, but I find myself always remembering his advice now that I am mayor…. The things I remember him saying in the past are the real things that guide my decisions today.) – Rappler.com
