CALL OF DUTY. Ryan Recto, Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto, Vilma Santos-Recto, Luis Philippe "Lucky" Manzano, and Jessy Mendiola-Manzano (from left to right) during the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) at the Comelec office in Batangas City on Thursday (Oct. 3, 2024). Santos-Recto is eyeing the gubernatorial post while Ryan is running for Congress representing the 6th District, while Luis Philippe is his mother's running mate for vice governor. (PNA photo by Zen Trinidad)
BATANGAS CITY – Former House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Vilma Santos-Recto is again eyeing to lead Batangas as governor, and formally filed her certificate of candidacy (COC) at the provincial Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in the capitol here on Thursday.
Her sons Luis Philippe "Lucky" Manzano, who is her running mate, and Ryan Recto, who is seeking a congressional seat to represent Batangas' 6th District, joined her in filing COCs under the banner of "One Batangas".
In a press conference held after the filing of their COCs, Santos-Recto, who had served as the provincial governor from 2007-2016, declared her determination to lead Batangas anew with a HEARTS platform: Health, Education, Agriculture, Roads and Infrastructure, Tourism, and Security.
"These are the foundations of my administration's pursuit of inclusive growth, sustainable development, and enhanced quality of life for all Batangueños," she emphasized.
She also said her sons, if elected, would offer youthful innovation that would complement seasoned governance to drive forward the HEARTS agenda with greater efficiency and energy.
A multi-awarded actress known as the "Star of All Seasons", Santos-Recto recalled how she started her political career in 1998 as mayor of Lipa City until 2007.
After serving as mayor, she was elected as Batangas governor, then represented the province's 6th District in Congress from 2016 to 2022.
After a brief respite from public service, she decided to make a comeback as a "call of duty", this time with her two sons.
"In my 24 years of public service, I really did my best," Santos-Recto stressed, adding that if given another chance to serve, she would make the province more popular and prosperous.
Her husband, Department of Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto accompanied them during the filing of their COCs. (PNA)
