Nelson Morales

Legarda's son Leandro Leviste wins as Batangas rep

Article (news)

Dennis Datu

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA — Leandro Leviste, son of Senator Loren Legarda, is the new representative of Batangas&#x27; 1st District after winning a landslide victory over incumbent congressman Eric Buhain.</p><p>The 32-year-old Leviste was officially proclaimed by the Batangas Provincial Board of Canvassers, with his mother present during the event.</p><p>As congressman, Leviste said he will focus on improving the economy of the 1st District, which he described as the poorest area in Batangas.</p><p>He plans to push for the conversion of the municipalities of Nasugbu, Balayan, and Lemery into component cities.</p><p>“Para ang taxes collected sa Nasugbu, Balayan at Lemery ay pwdeng manatili na lamang at mas lalaki po ang suporta para sa mga social programs sa unang distrito ng Batangas” said Leviste.</p><p>He also pledged to provide educational assistance to his constituents.</p><p>Leviste is the founder and CEO of Solar Philippines New Energy.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/business/2024/5/9/leviste-sees-bright-future-for-solar-eyes-turnaround-of-roxas-holdings-1453">Leviste sees bright future for solar, eyes turnaround of Roxas Holdings</a></div><p>He received 268,764 votes, while Buhain got only 91,588 votes.</p><p>Buhain is the husband of former Rep. Eileen Ermita.</p><p>The Ermita family had led Batangas’ 1st district for nearly 30 years.</p><p>Meanwhile, incumbent Vice Governor Mark Leviste failed in his congressional bid for Batangas’ 3rd District. He lost to Atty. King Collantes who garnered 244,340 votes, while Leviste received only 143,751 votes.</p><p>Collantes will replace his mother, Rep. Ma. Theresa Collantes, whose term is ending on June 30, 2025.</p><div><br/><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JYr88yUeQNo?si=ELN-2_hNLd4X3rJz" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br/></div>

<p>Leandro Leviste, 32, son of Senator Loren Legarda, is the new representative of Batangas' 1st District after winning a landslide victory over incumbent Congressman Eric Buhain.</p>

Leandro Leviste, 32, son of Senator Loren Legarda, is the new representative of Batangas' 1st District after winning a landslide victory over incumbent Congressman Eric Buhain.