Leviste-Mandanas tandem in 2025 Batangas polls?

MANILA, Philippines —  Less than a year before the 2025 midterm elections, a possible alliance in Batangas appears to be shaping up.

Vice Gov. Mark Leviste has expressed readiness to run for governor if Gov. Hermilando Mandanas decides to switch posts and run for vice governor of  the province.

Leviste had earlier said he would give way to Mandanas for the post of vice governor in next year’s elections if Mandanas is not appointed to the Cabinet.

Mandanas is on his last term as governor.

Leviste, on the other hand, is eligible to run for another term as vice governor.

There were reports that Mandanas was being considered for a key Cabinet post.

In a text message, Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil called such reports “fake news.”

In a post on Facebook on May 30, Leviste posted a photo of himself shaking hands with Mandanas, with the caption: “Sealed...with a handshake.”

Both Leviste and Mandanas ran under the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan in the 2022 elections.