BATANGAS Capitol – AS the 2025 National and Local Election come to a close with the proclamation of the winning candidates political observers noted that the Batangueno voters value checks and balances, respect for the elderly, experience in government service, among other criteria, in choosing a candidate. This developed after 81-years old candidate was proclaimed a winning vice governor of Batangas.
Speaking before a group of media practitioners after his proclamation, incumbent Batangas’ Governor Hermilando I. Mandanas said that his winning did not surprise him anymore.
“It’s not a surprise to me anymore. Actually, this is what I am expected to happen as this winning will mean more services. We can deliver more services to our constituents,” Mandanas said.
Mandanas recorded a landslide victory garnering a total of 821,380 votes over the combined number of votes of his opponents – actor Luis Manzano with 565,077 votes, and Bauan Mayor Rhanh Dolor with 127,036 votes.
The Provincial Board of Canvassers (PBoC) sitting at the Session Hall of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, proclaimed the winning candidates on May 13, a day after the 2025 National and Local Elections.
It can be recalled that during the campaign period, Batanguenos are calling for check and balances in local governance as former Lipa City congresswoman Vilma Santos-Recto picked her son Luis as her official candidate for Vice Governor.
Also during the campaign, Manzano made fun of Mandanas as too old enough to serve and who can’t dance the way he does. “Ang vice governor, dapat yung malakas pa ang tuhod, yung kaya pang sumayaw nga ganito..”, Manzano said in several campaign sorties.
But the Batangueno electorate values check and balances and bank on the very long experience of Mandanas in government service, both in the executive and legislative branches, being the longest-serving governor and legislator. Mandanas is about to complete six full terms as governor and has served three (3) consecutive terms as congressman of the 2nd district of Batangas. A total of 18 years as governor and nine (9) years as congressman can’t be matched to an actor running for an elective position for the first time.
But, Mandanas said he see nothing could hinder him working along with Governor-elect Vilma Santos-Recto. “We can do everything for our constituents,” he said.
Santos-Recto has served as Lipa City mayor for three (3) terms, as governor also for three terms, and as congresswoman of Lipa City Lone District for two (2) terms.| – BNN News
