Mayor Leni Robredo is set to visit the main office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for a face-to-face meeting with Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia to discuss matters concerning the proposed plebiscite on Naga City’s conversion into a Highly Urbanized City (HUC).
The meeting follows a joint proposal submitted by Robredo and Naga Election Supervisor Maico Julia requesting the Comelec to hold the plebiscite simultaneously with the forthcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) scheduled on November 2, 2026.
Under the law, a plebiscite must be conducted within 120 days from the issuance of the presidential proclamation, with the ratification requiring the approval of Naga City residents. The plebiscite aims to secure public ratification of the proclamation converting Naga City from an Independent Component City into a Highly Urbanized City.
Chairman Garcia earlier invited Robredo for a formal discussion regarding the proposal to synchronize the plebiscite with the BSKE, a move seen to improve voter participation and reduce government expenses associated with conducting separate electoral exercises.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the presidential proclamation on May 27, 2026 officially declaring Naga City as the nation’s 34th Highly Urbanized City.
The city’s bid for HUC status was formally initiated by the current city government leadership following the adoption of Resolution No. 2026-078 by the 15th Sangguniang Panlungsod on January 27, 2026.
City officials expressed optimism that the synchronized plebiscite and BSKE would ensure a more efficient and orderly democratic process for Naga residents. | via Jason B. Neola, head of CMO-Public Information Office
