Nelson Legacion Explained

Nelson "Son" Legacion
Office:Mayor of Naga City, Camarines Sur
Term Start:July 1, 2019
Term End:Incumbent
Predecessor:John G. Bongat
Office1:Vice Mayor of Naga City, Camarines Sur
Term Start1:July 1, 2013
Term End1:June 30, 2019
Predecessor1:Cecilia Veluz-De Asis
Successor1:Gabriel H. Bordado Jr.
Office2:Naga City Councilor
Term Start2:July 1, 2007
Term End2:June 30, 2013
Birth Name:Nelson Suarez Legacion
Birth Place:Buhi, Camarines Sur, Philippines
Nationality:Filipino
Party:Lakas–CMD (2024–present)
Otherparty:Liberal Party (until 2024)
Spouse:Marion Eloisa Escueta
Children:4
Residence:Naga City, Philippines
Alma Mater:Saint Anthony Mary Claret College (AB)
University of Nueva Caceres (LLB)
Occupation:Lawyer
Profession:Lawyer, Politician

Nelson Suarez Legacion is a Filipino politician and lawyer who serves as the incumbent mayor of Naga, Camarines Sur in the Philippines. He is a member of the Liberal Party and previously served as city legal officer under former interior secretary Jesse Robredo, city councilor (2007–2013), and vice mayor (2013).[1] [2]

Early life and education

Legacion was born in Buhi, Camarines Sur, Philippines. He completed his AB Philosophy degree at Saint Anthony Mary Claret College and later earned his Bachelor of Laws from the University of Nueva Caceres. He passed the Philippine Bar Examination in 1995.[3]

Career

Early career

After passing the bar, Legacion served as the City Legal Officer of Naga City Local Government Unit under then-Mayor Jesse Robredo. He later entered local politics and served as City Councilor (2007–2013) and Vice Mayor (2013).[4]

Mayoralty

As mayor of Naga City, Legacion has been involved in various local initiatives and issues:

In August 2023, he requested Malacañang to declare August 18 as a special non-working day to commemorate Jesse Robredo's death anniversary, though the request was denied due to existing legislation (RA 10699) already designating it as a special working holiday.[5]

In March 2023, he acknowledged jeepney cooperatives in the city for supporting the jeepney modernization program and not participating in a weeklong strike.[6]

In July 2024, he issued a public warning about fraudulent social media accounts using his name and photo to offer fake job opportunities. Legacion clarified that he maintains only two official Facebook accounts and does not engage in any financial transactions or job promises online.[7]

Future political plans

In early 2024, the founder of the Bikoleni Movement and Kusog Bikolandia party, known for supporting former vice president Leni Robredo's (widow of Jesse) 2022 presidential bid, denied rumors of running for mayor in the 2025 Naga City elections. He stated that his focus remained on his business ventures.[8]

In June 2024, Legacion expressed openness to running for Congress representing the Camarines Sur's 3rd congressional district in the 2025 elections, though he indicated a personal preference to continue serving as mayor to complete ongoing programs and projects. Local leaders outside the city have expressed support for his potential congressional bid.[9]

On October 8, 2024, Naga City Mayor Nelson S. Legacion filed his certificate of candidacy for Camarines Sur's 3rd District congressional seat at the Provincial Capitol Complex. Accompanied by his wife, Marion Eloisa Escueta-Legacion, and supporters, he emphasized fighting political dynasties and amending laws allowing governors to suspend mayors. Running under Lakas–CMD, Legacion highlighted support from allies committed to development, particularly for marginalized sectors.[10]

Legal matters

In 2024, a cyber libel complaint filed by Legacion against a private individual was dismissed by the Naga City Prosecutor's Office due to insufficient evidence.[11]

In May 2024, he and former mayor John Bongat faced charges before the ombudsman regarding a lease agreement between the local government and Lumver Consolidated Complex Development Corporation.[12]

Personal life

Legacion is married to Marion Eloisa Escueta, who is also a lawyer. They have four children: Nathaniel Emil, Neal Emerson, Nadine Eina, and Nepthali Eman.[13]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Bantay Bayan 2019 . November 25, 2024.
  2. Web site: Hon. Nelson S. Legacion . Bob Ursua . April 22, 2021.
  3. Web site: Hon. Nelson S. Legacion . Bob Ursua . April 22, 2021.
  4. Web site: Bantay Bayan 2019 . November 25, 2024.
  5. Web site: Palace denies request to declare 'Jesse Robredo Day' special non-working day . POLITIKO . August 18, 2023.
  6. Web site: Naga mayor thanks jeepney coops for not joining transport strike . Connie Calipay . March 6, 2023.
  7. Web site: Naga City mayor warns vs. fake social media account . Jessica Calinog . July 17, 2024.
  8. Web site: Founder of pro-Robredo group denies positioning for Naga's mayoral race . Rhaydz Barcia . January 13, 2024.
  9. Web site: Alkalde ng Naga, posibleng tumakbo bilang Congressman sa 2025 . BNFM Naga . June 11, 2024.
  10. News: For 3rd District Congressional Seat: Legacion files candidacy . Jason B. Neola . October 8, 2024 .
  11. Web site: Cyber libel complaint ng Naga City mayor vs ex-VP Leni supporter, ibinasura . Jan Escosio . January 13, 2024.
  12. Web site: Naga City Mayor Legacion at Ex- Mayor Bongat, kinasuhan sa Ombudsman . BNFM Naga . May 17, 2024.
  13. Web site: Hon. Nelson S. Legacion . Bob Ursua . April 22, 2021.