Santos-Recto files COC for Batangas governor, sons run for vice gov, House

Former Batangas Sixth District Representative Vilma Santos-Recto filed her certificate of candidacy (COC) on Thursday alongside her sons Luis Manzano and Ryan Recto, who are running for vice governor and a seat in the House of Representatives respectively.

Santos-Recto, known as both an actress and politician, declared her intention to return as Batangas governor after previously serving from 1998 to 2016. She outlined her HEARTS platform: Health, Education, Agriculture, Roads and Infrastructure, Tourism, and Security.

The trio filed their COCs under the Nacionalista Party at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Batangas Provincial Capitol, where they were accompanied by Ralph Recto, Vilma's husband and Finance Secretary. During a press conference, Santos-Recto emphasized her sons' role in offering youthful innovation to complement seasoned governance.

Meanwhile, Vice Governor Mark Leviste announced on Saturday that he will run for the 3rd District Representative seat instead of seeking the governorship as initially planned, honoring his relationship with Vilma Santos-Recto and supporting her gubernatorial bid.