Veteran actress and politician Vilma Santos, along with her sons Luis Manzano and Ryan Recto, have officially filed their certificates of candidacy (COCs) for various political positions in Batangas for the upcoming 2025 midterm elections.
Santos, who is eyeing a return to her former post as Batangas governor, filed her COC alongside Manzano, who is running for vice governor, and Ryan Recto, who is seeking to represent Batangas’ 6th district in Congress. The 6th district seat was previously held by Ryan’s father, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto.
The family’s COC filing took place at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Batangas Provincial Capitol, where they were accompanied by Ralph Recto and actress Jessy Mendiola, Manzano’s wife. Prior to the formal filing, the family gathered with their supporters at Lipa City Hall, joined by Lipa Mayor Eric Africa and Lipa City Councilor Mikee Morada, who is running for vice mayor.
In a previous interview with Philippine Daily Inquirer, Luis Manzano hinted at entering politics, emphasizing his openness to serving in public office. “I’m very much open to politics. If I run, it would have to be for public service,” Manzano said, adding that he had received several offers for government positions and viewed them as compliments.
The 2025 elections will see the Santos-Manzano-Recto family aiming to continue their long-standing involvement in Batangas politics, with Vilma Santos hoping to reclaim the governor’s seat, which she held for three terms from 2007 to 2016.