(From left) Vilma Santos, Jessy Mendiola, Ralph Recto, Isabella Rose Manzano, Luis Manzano and Ryan Recto. Image: Instagram/@luckymanzano; Facebook/Mayor Eric B. Africa
Vilma Santos and her sons Luis Manzano and Ryan Recto filed their respective certificates of candidacy (COCs) for various posts in Batangas for the 2025 midterm elections.
Santos is vying to return as Batangas governor, while Manzano is running for vice governor. Ryan, meanwhile, filed his candidacy for Batangas 6th district representative, the position previously held by his father, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto.
Article continues after this advertisementThe three political hopefuls were accompanied by Ralph and actress Jessy Mendiola, Manzano’s wife, at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Batangas Provincial Capitol.
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In a July interview with Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manzano hinted at running for public office this year.
“Each of us has the obligation to serve. In what capacity? This depends on what is given to us by God, it depends on the cards that’ve been dealt us,” he said. “Have I ever said ‘yes’ to politics before? Not yet, but you shouldn’t be surprised if I agree to it this year.”
“I’m very much open to politics. If I run, it would have to be for public service,” he noted. “I’ve received a lot of offers for different government positions. I take that as a compliment.”
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