Leviste backs out of governor race

MANILA, Philippines — Batangas Vice Gov. Mark Leviste yesterday backed out of the race for governor of Batangas province, choosing instead to vie for a seat in the House of Representatives.

Gov. Hermilando Mandanas also filed yesterday his certificate of candidacy (COC) for vice governor, opting to compete against actor Luis Manzano, son of actress Vilma Santos-Recto who is running for governor.

Months before the filing of COCs, Leviste had posters and billboards around the province displaying his interest to join the gubernatorial race and switch places with Mandanas.

“After careful consideration and discernment, I have decided to step aside as a gubernatorial aspirant to honor my relationship, loyalty and support for governor Vilma Santos-Recto. Our goal has always been and will continue to be the progressive development of the Province of Batangas,” Leviste said in a social media post.

As of yesterday, at least one aspirant is challenging Santos-Recto in the race for Batangas’ top post – former 1-Care party-list representative Mike Rivera.

Rivera was earlier endorsed by Budget Secretary Ralph Recto to become the gubernatorial bet of One Batangas Party for the 2025 election.

The plan, however, did not push through as Recto decided to field his wife Vilma to run as governor, with Manzano as her running mate.

Asked about the changes, Rivera said he accepted the decision with “no hard feelings.”

“Politics is always like that. You should know how to adjust,” Rivera said after filing his COC. “Let us just allow the public to choose from among us.”

There were reports that Recto gave up on Rivera after a survey showed him faring poorly. Asked about the reports, Rivera said in jest that his survey standing might shoot up after the COC filing.

Leviste said he envies the candidates of One Batangas Party, adding that he would now have to work twice as hard to secure the House seat representing the third district of Batangas.

“I really can’t say why I’m not part of the Recto slate. That’s their discretion and I respect their decision. When I honor someone, I don’t expect anything in return,” Leviste added.

He started his political career as member of the provincial board in 2004 and was elected vice governor in 2007. His late grandfather, Feliciano “Sanoy” Leviste, served as governor of Batangas for 25 years.

As of yesterday, the Comelec said five applicants have filed their COC for vice governor in Laguna and three each in Cavite and Quezon.

For governor, two are vying for Batangas and one in Rizal.

For the House of Representatives, 12 have filed their COCs in Batangas, 14 in Cavite, 16 in Laguna, four in Quezon and nine in Rizal.