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BATANGAS CITY — Leandro Legarda Leviste has been proclaimed the new representative of Batangas' 1st district, following a landslide victory in the 2025 elections on May 12.
Accompanied by his mother, Sen. Loren Legarda, Leviste was officially declared congressman-elect on May 13 at the Batangas Provincial Capitol.
Leviste garnered a commanding 268,764 votes — accounting for 75 percent of the total — defeating incumbent Rep. Eric Buhain, who secured only 91,588 votes.
This outcome represents the highest percentage margin against any incumbent member of Congress nationwide in this election and sets a record for the most votes cast in a congressional race in Batangas history.
The win also marks a political milestone: Leviste is the first candidate in over 30 years to defeat a member of the Ermita-Buhain political dynasty and the first representative from outside the Ermita or Apacible families to be elected since 1972.
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He prevailed in all eight municipalities and cities of the 1st district — Balayan, Calaca, Calatagan, Lemery, Lian, Nasugbu, Taal, and Tuy.
Running on the campaign theme "Paunlarin Natin Ang Unang Distrito" (Let's Develop the First District), Leviste advocated for stronger national government support to spur progress in Western Batangas.
His platform focuses on improving education, infrastructure, and job creation, aiming to transform the 1st district into the most advanced in the province.
Speaking at a press conference after his proclamation, the 32-year-old said, "I would like to thank those who encouraged me to run and supported our campaign. We will now begin working on our programs for education and infrastructure, with the hope that this victory brings renewed optimism to the people of the 1st district."
Before entering politics, Leviste was best known as the founder of Solar Philippines New Energy Corp.
In 2024, he shifted to public service after selling a controlling stake in the company to Meralco for P34 billion, making him the country's youngest billionaire entrepreneur.
