NAGA CITY, Philippines — On her first day in office, newly elected Naga City Mayor and former Vice President Leni Robredo signed her first two executive orders (EOs), signaling her administration’s priorities: anti-corruption and labor reform.

The first executive order enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy on corruption, particularly in procurement and bidding processes involving city officials and employees.

“Public officials and personnel shall adhere to the highest standards of honesty, decency and moral courage, especially in all procurement and bidding activities. Any attempt to influence contract awards through bribery, bid-rigging, kickbacks, nepotism or patronage, as well as any other abuse of authority, shall be promptly investigated and met with strict disciplinary or legal sanctions,” the order reads.

It further emphasizes: “The city government shall foster a procurement environment in which transparency, competitive fairness and ethical conduct are the rule rather than the exception.”

Robredo’s second executive order outlines a pathway toward regularization for long-serving casual employees of the Naga City government.

“The city government affirms its duty to uphold the dignity of public service, address long-standing labor injustices and promote a working environment grounded in fairness, stability and recognition of service,” the EO states.

A recent internal review revealed that only 723 of the city government’s 2,356 total employees—around 31 percent—hold permanent positions. The remaining 69 percent, or 1,633 workers, are employed under casual, job order, or contract of service arrangements.

Robredo officially took her oath as mayor on Monday, with former Camarines Sur 3rd District Rep. Gabriel Bordado sworn in as vice mayor. The return to local governance marks a new chapter in Robredo’s political journey, now focused on grassroots reforms in her hometown.