Amber Phillips
Updated on: October 17, 2024 10:06 am GMT
BATANGAS, Philippines – The political landscape in Batangas is buzzing with excitement after several unexpected candidates filed their certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the 2025 local elections. Among them is Leandro Leviste, the son of veteran senator Loren Legarda, who aims to represent the Batangas 1st District.
Leviste, 31, arrived at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) provincial office on October 8, flanked by his supporters and his mother. He faces stiff competition from Eric Buhain, the incumbent representative, who has built a strong political presence in the area.
Leandro Leviste: A New Voice for Batangas
Leandro Leviste, hailed as the youngest self-made billionaire in the Philippines, has made headlines not just for his wealth, but also for his contributions to the renewable energy sector. As the founder of Solar Philippines, he has been instrumental in developing solar power projects nationwide. Leviste’s supporters believe his business background and innovative thinking can bring much-needed change to the 1st District, which they describe as underdeveloped.
Leviste has previously gained recognition from notable organizations like Forbes and Bloomberg. His ventures include:
- Developing the first solar power plant in Batangas, located in Calatagan, in 2016.
- Being the youngest CEO to take a company public in the Philippine Stock Exchange’s history.
- Holding significant investments in local businesses, including the Central Azucarera in Nasugbu and being a major shareholder in ABS-CBN Corporation.
In a statement, Leviste emphasized his commitment to economic development in the district, which encompasses municipalities such as Nasugbu, Lian, and Balayan. His supporters gathered in large numbers during his campaign launch, showcasing a widespread enthusiasm for his candidacy.
Other Candidates Making Waves
Leviste isn’t the only surprise contender in Batangas. The political scene is heating up with additional unexpected filings, including:
- Bernadette Sabili, the wife of former Lipa City Mayor Meynard Sabili, who filed her COC for the representative of Lipa City. With little prior announcement, her candidacy has taken many by surprise. She will compete against Ryan Christian Recto, whose family has deep political roots in the area.
- Ryanh Dolor, the mayor of Bauan, is running for vice governor. Dolor filed his COC quietly but is known for his alliance with current Governor Dodo Mandanas. His main challenger in this race will be Luis Manzano, the son of famous actress Vilma Santos-Recto.
Strategic Moves in a Competitive Environment
The influx of unexpected candidates is creating a dynamic political environment in Batangas. Political analysts note that this could change the usual voting patterns in the region. Here’s what to consider:
- Voter Sentiment: Candidates like Leviste are betting on the desire for new leadership and fresh ideas, especially among younger voters.
- Established Names: Meanwhile, candidates like Buhain and Recto lean on their family legacies and political experience to maintain their positions.
With the filing of COCs closing on October 8, the candidates have a short campaign period ahead. They’ll need to build strong platforms and connect with voters quickly to succeed in the upcoming elections.
Community Engagement and Support
Community support plays a crucial role in any election, and Leviste is leveraging his success and resources to build a strong base. During his campaign launch, approximately 35,000 supporters gathered in Nasugbu, highlighting his popularity and solid backing. His supporters tout his success in business as a precursor to potential achievements in public service.
Leviste’s commitment to the community was apparent during his arrival at the Comelec office, where he expressed his desire to improve local infrastructure, healthcare, and education. His plans resonate with constituents who feel that their needs have not been adequately addressed by previous administrations.
Conclusion: An Exciting Race Ahead
As the competition heats up in Batangas, voters are eager to see how these surprise candidates will shape the upcoming elections. With strong personalities like Leandro Leviste and Bernadette Sabili entering the fray, the dynamics of local politics in the region are bound to evolve.
The outcome of this election will hinge not only on the candidates’ reputations and backgrounds but also on their ability to connect with the electors. With many constituents eager for progress and development, the stage is set for an interesting political showdown in Batangas.
Watch closely as the campaigns start up and we learn more about what each candidate wants for their areas.
