Nelson Legacion

In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is Salvadora and the surname or paternal family name is Legacion.

Nelson Salvadora Legacion^[2] (born March 1, 1968) Nelson Salvadora Legacion is a Filipino politician and lawyer currently serving as the representative for Camarines Sur’s third district since 2025. Prior to his election to Congress, he served as mayor of Naga, Camarines Sur from 2019 to 2025 and held various other positions in local government..^[3][4]

Nelson Legacion
Official portrait, 2025
Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Camarines Sur's 3rd District
Incumbent
Assumed office June 30, 2025
Preceded by	Gabriel Bordado
17th Mayor of Naga
In office June 30, 2019 – June 30, 2025
Preceded by	John G. Bongat
Succeeded by	Leni Robredo
Vice Mayor of Naga
In office June 30, 2013 – June 30, 2019
Preceded by	Gabriel Bordado
Succeeded by	Cecilia Veluz-De Asis
Member of the Naga City Council
In office June 30, 2007 – June 30, 2013
Personal details
Born	Nelson Salvadora Legacion (1968-03-01) March 1, 1968 (age 57)[1] Buhi, Camarines Sur, Philippines
Political party	Lakas (2024–present)
Other political affiliations	Liberal (2007–2024)
Spouse	Marion Eloisa Escueta
Children	4
Alma mater	Saint Anthony Mary Claret College (AB) University of Nueva Caceres (LLB)
Occupation	Lawyer
Profession	Lawyer politician

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.^[4]

Career

Legal career

Before entering public service, Legacion worked as a practicing lawyer. He served as the City Legal Officer of Naga City, where he was instrumental in various landmark legal cases involving the city government. Among the notable cases was his legal advocacy in securing the rightful ownership of the Naga City Hall premises after the city’s separation from the province-led Capitol Complex, a matter that involved complex property claims and political tension.

Political career

He was elected as Naga City Councilor for two consecutive terms (2007–2013), focusing on legislation to uplift underprivileged communities. Subsequently, he served as Vice Mayor (2013–2019), introducing reforms to expedite legislation and promote welfare‑oriented policies.

In 2019, Legacion was elected Mayor of Naga City and re-elected in 2022. His administration was marked by large-scale infrastructure and social service projects, including the construction of new public schools, the Naga City General Hospital (Level 1), a Super Health Center, and the Center for Safety and Resilience.^[5]

He also led major urban development initiatives in four growth zones: the Sta. Cruz New Development Area, the Almeda Development Area, the Bicol Riverfront, and the Balatas Development Complex.^[5]

In January 2025, he issued a public call for responsible political discourse and condemned the spread of fake news targeting city officials and candidates.^[6]

Legacion assumed office as the representative for Camarines Sur’s 3rd congressional district on June 30, 2025. He is a member of the [[Lakas–CMD|Lakas–Christian Muslim Democrats

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.^[7]

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.^[8]

On October 8, 2024, 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, 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.^[9]

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.^[10]

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.^[11]

Personal life

Legacion is married to Marion Eloisa Escueta, who is also a lawyer. They have four children.^[4]