Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste claimed that he played a key role in the 2025 gubernatorial victory of Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto, saying she would have lost without his support.
He made the remarks during a House interpellation, where he also said his relationship with the Recto family became “fractured” after the elections, allegedly due to feelings of political threat.
Leviste pointed to election results in his district and claimed they contributed significantly to Santos-Recto’s narrow win, though his statements were later stricken from the record.
He also accused the governor of blocking aid for some barangays during a presidential visit, a claim the Rectos have dismissed.
Despite the controversy, Leviste said he has no plans to run for Batangas governor in 2028.
Source: PhilNews24 | May 6, 2026
LEVISTE CLAIMS CREDIT FOR VILMA SANTOS’ GUBERNATORIAL WIN
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