Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste has intensified his political rivalry with the province’s most influential figures, announcing plans to use the House of Representatives floor to reveal an alleged “modus” involving Executive Secretary Ralph Recto and CWS Party-list Representative Edwin Gardiola.
The conflict, which has simmered for months, recently escalated following a social media post by Leviste. In his post, he shared a photo from a past meeting where he was seen with Recto and Gardiola making the “VL” sign—the campaign gesture for Vilma Santos-Recto and her son, Luis “Lucky” Manzano, for the 2025 midterm elections.
“Inalok ako nina Secretary Ralph Recto at Cong. Edwin Gardiola na maging partner nila,” Leviste claimed.
“Hihiling ako sa Kongreso ng oras upang ilahad ang modus nila, para sa ikabubuti ng ating bayan.”
CONTEXT OF THE ALLEGATIONS
While Leviste did not detail the specific nature of the “modus” in his post, his recent legislative activities provide a backdrop for the friction:
- Financial Aid Probe: In late April 2026, Leviste filed a resolution urging the Office of the President to investigate alleged “discrimination” in local government financial aid. He claimed that over 80 barangays in his district were “singled out” for political reasons during the distribution of “Bawat Barangay Makikinabang” funds.
- Infrastructure & Budget Clash: Leviste has previously accused Gardiola of “pre-ordering” multi-billion peso contracts within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) before budget deliberations even reached the House.
- VAT Standoff: Leviste has publicly called out Executive Secretary Recto for allegedly blocking efforts to cut or suspend Value-Added Tax (VAT) on fuel to ease inflation.
RESPONSES AND DENIALS
Recto has previously dismissed Leviste’s criticisms regarding local aid distribution, characterizing the lawmaker’s statements as “disturbing the peace” (nanggugulo lang).
Gardiola has also been vocal in his defense, previously labeling Leviste’s accusations as “untrue” and “cheap theatrics.”
In late 2025, Gardiola criticized Leviste for a “publicity stunt” after the latter took an unsolicited selfie with him in the plenary hall, which Gardiola claimed was a breach of parliamentary decorum.
As the 2026 legislative session continues, the expected privilege speech by Leviste is anticipated to further polarize Batangas politics and the leadership dynamics within the House of Representatives.