Mayor Announces Retirement

City of Naga Mayor Valdemar Chiong on Friday night announced his retirement from politics.

“This is my third term and I’m giving the rein to my daughter, Kristine. I hope you will still support her,” said Chiong in his speech before City Hall employees and supporters during Friday night’s Christmas party. Chiong said he will “retire” and rest, as he believes he has already built the foundation for the city’s development.

Kristine is Chiong’s only daughter, who is also his administrative sidekick.

Earlier, Chiong said he might run for a lower post, a vice mayor or councilor perhaps, if it would help boost his party’s landslide victory in 2016.

But for some reason, Chiong changed his mind and told his people he would lay low from politics and leave everything to his daughter-lawyer.

Meanwhile, supporters and City Hall workers met the mayor’s decision with mixed emotions. Some were amenable, while others urged him to seek a higher post.

A worker, who refused to be named, said Chiong would win as Provincial Board member if he does not want to run for congressman.

“Last term na bitaw ni Teban (PB member Julian Daan), daug na na si mayor kung modagan siya,” said the source.

But the source said Chiong, 53, still has two years ahead of him, for him to decide whether or not to finally quit politics.