As the 2025 midterm election nears, a formidable alliance in Batangas Province appears to be on the horizon. Vice Governor Mark Leviste recently posted back-to-back photos with incumbent Governor Dodo Mandanas, captioned “sealed with a handshake.”
Mandanas is in his last term as Provincial Governor.
Leviste has declared his willingness to switch positions with the 80-year-old Mandanas if tasked by the latter to do so.
It’s been weeks since the wedding of Mandanas to lawyer Angelica Chua, who is nearly 50 years younger, trended on social media.
Guests included President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, as well as other national and local government officials.
When asked if we would see Kris Aquino supporting his imminent run for the gubernatorial race, Leviste chose to stay nonchalant.
“Kris inspires me,” he says. “She continues to motivate me in my work as a public servant. Politics is not new to her.”
In past interviews, Leviste has expressed his willingness to marry Aquino.
“I see myself spending the rest of my life with her (Kris) and taking care of her. I am very sure the people of Batangas are excited to have Kris as a future First Lady if given the chance.”
“My children and family love Kris and her sons. We adore them and we are looking forward to being one big, happy family one day.”
So the question remains: will we see Kris Aquino back in the Philippines should Leviste declare his run for the gubernatorial race?
Local surveys show Leviste as the top choice of Batangueños to replace Mandanas in the province’s top post.
