A coalition of Batangas representatives has filed a formal resolution to condemn what they described as “baseless, malicious, and irresponsible” accusations made by Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto and Governor Vilma Santos-Recto.
Filed on Wednesday, May 6, the unnumbered House Resolution was signed by five provincial lawmakers: Ryan Recto (6th District), Amado Bolilia IV (4th District), King George Collantes (3rd District), Beverly Rose Dimacuha (5th District), and Gerville Luistro (2nd District).
The move follows a plenary speech delivered by Leviste on Tuesday, May 5, where he suggested corruption and impropriety involving the Recto family, citing alleged ties to Construction Workers Solidarity (CWS) Party-list Representative Edwin Gardiola.
Ryan Recto, son of the Executive Secretary and the Governor, was among those who immediately challenged Leviste’s claims on the floor.
The resolution argues that Leviste failed to provide “competent, verifiable, or documentary evidence,” relying instead on uncorroborated and anonymous sources. The signatories emphasized that parliamentary immunity should be protected but never exploited for personal agendas.
”[It] should not be abused to put forth personal interests in the guise of public service,” the resolution stated.
Characterizing Leviste’s actions as a “grave misuse of legislative authority” and labeling him a “peddler of fake news,” the lawmakers suggested the attacks were politically motivated.
They defended the Rectos’ decades-long career, citing the “transformative growth” Batangas has seen under the Governor’s HEARTS program (Health, Education, Agriculture, Roads, Tourism, and Social Services).
”ES Recto and GOV Santos-Recto have, for decades, demonstrated exemplary leadership, unquestioned integrity, and steadfast dedication to public service,” the measure added.
While Leviste—a billionaire businessman and neophyte lawmaker—is rumored to be eyeing the governorship in 2028, he has stated he currently has no plans regarding the upcoming polls.