Vilma Santos wins as Batangas governor; son Luis loses bid for vice governor, Ryan wins as congressman

Manila: Actress-turned-politician Vilma Santos-Recto has reclaimed the governorship of Batangas, winning decisively in the 2025 elections.

Santos-Recto previously served three consecutive terms as governor from 2007 to 2016.

She garnered over 640,000 votes, defeating Mike Rivera (Liberal Party), Jay Ilagan (Promdi), and Walter Ozaeta (independent) and was proclaimed the winner.

Mixed night

However, it was a mixed night for the family.

Her son, TV host and political newcomer Luis “Lucky” Manzano, lost his bid for vice governor. Her other son, Ryan Christian Recto, won a congressional seat in Batangas.

As of 10.54 am (GMT +8) on Tuesday, Hermilando “Dodo” Mandanas (PDP Laban) had 652,341, or 54.16% of the votes, against 450,251 votes for Luis Manzano (Naciolista Party, 37.38%), while Ryanh Dolor garnered 101,891 votes (8.46%).

Luis is the son of actor Edu Manzano and Vilma Santos-Recto, a screen legend.

Despite name recognition and political backing, Manzano was unable to unseat the well-entrenched Mandanas, highlighting the challenge of converting showbiz fame into electoral success.

On Tuesday, Comelec proclaimed Ryan Christian Santos-Recto, son of Vilma Santos and Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, as representative of Lipa, Batangas.