MANILA, Philippines — Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste claimed that his political backing helped secure the 2025 gubernatorial win of Vilma Santos-Recto, adding that members of the Recto family may have felt “threatened” by his influence after the elections
Leviste made the remarks during an interpellation by Janette Garin on his privilege speech, which was later stricken from the House record due to alleged lack of substantiation.
CLAIMS OF POLITICAL INFLUENCE
In his statement, Leviste said Santos-Recto’s victory over rival Mike Rivera was narrow and attributed her win largely to his stronghold.
He noted that while Santos-Recto won by just over 7 percentage points, her victory in his district was decisive.
“I can say she won because of her victory in my district,” Leviste said, citing his own 75 percent vote share compared to the governor’s 42 percent in the same area.
ALLEGED RIFT WITH THE RECTOS
Leviste suggested that his influence in the الانتخابات may have strained his relationship with the Rectos, including Ralph Recto, husband of the Batangas governor.
“Perhaps our relationship became fractured because they might have felt threatened,” he said, while acknowledging that his claim was speculative.
CONTROVERSIAL ALLEGATIONS RAISED
The lawmaker also hinted at possible irregularities involving Recto’s alleged connection with Edwin Gardiola, whom he described as a “cong-tractor,” suggesting a link between politics and contracting.
Leviste further claimed that during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s April 24 visit to Batangas for a government program, 84 barangays were allegedly excluded from receiving ₱200,000 in aid.
He accused the governor of blocking the distribution for political reasons, an allegation the Recto camp has dismissed.
NO IMMEDIATE PLANS FOR 2028 RUN
Despite his strong statements, Leviste clarified that he currently has no plans to run for governor of Batangas in the 2028 national elections.
BACKGROUND
Tensions among political figures in Batangas have surfaced following the 2025 elections, reflecting shifting alliances and rivalries within local leadership.
Privilege speeches in the House of Representatives are protected forms of expression, but may be stricken from official records if deemed unsupported by sufficient evidence.