BATANGAS, Philippines – The biggest political families in Batangas showed their collective force on Thursday, October 3, as they stood united under One Batangas, a local party headed by former senator and Finance Secretary Ralph Recto..
Vehicles were at a standstill at the provincial capitol as One Batangas candidates arrived to file their certificates of candidacy at the provincial office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec). There, thousands of their supporters had waited as early as 6 am.
The stars of the political show were former Batangas governor Vilma Santos-Recto and her sons, Luis “Lucky” Manzano and Ryan Christian Recto, as they arrived together, all vying for positions in the government.
The actress-turned-politician filed her COC for governor, with her son Luis as her running mate.
Meanwhile, 27-year-old Ryan filed his COC for representative of the 6th District of Batangas, a position vacated by his father, Ralph, upon his appointment as Finance secretary.
Responding to a question from reporters about why they decided to run as a family, Vilma said she has seen how her two sons relate to the people of Batangas and believes having them by her side will ensure a more efficient delivery of service to Batangueños.
“So when I decided to run for governor, I asked my son Lucky to be my vice governor because in order for me to work better, and for the new blood which I also need for technology, faster service will follow,” she said.
Manzano said he believes it was destiny that led him to enter the world of politics. “We all have an obligation to serve; in what capacity, it depends on what fate lays out for you. I believe that if you’ve been given life by a higher power, you have an obligation to help your fellow human beings,” he said.
Aside from the Rectos, congressional candidates of One Batangas in five out of six districts are either aspiring to continue from or replace family members.
Running for reelection in the 1st District is Eric Buhain, husband of former representative Eileen Ermita-Buhain.
In the 3rd District, lawyer King Collantes hopes to replace his mother, Maitet Collantes, who is serving her third and final term. She succeeded another Collantes, Sonny, who is now Tanauan’s mayor.
Representative Lianda Bolilia of the 4th District is also serving her last term. Her husband, Caloy Bolilia, is seeking the position.
For the 5th and lone district of Batangas City, Representative Marvey Mariño has traded places with his wife, Beverley Dimacuha-Mariño, the present mayor. – Rappler.com
*Quotes were translated into English for brevity