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MANILA, Philippines — Actor, top TV Host and first-time candidate Luis "Lucky" Manzano did not secure the vice governorship of Batangas in the 2025 midterm elections, but his family emerged with two major wins in the province.
Luis Manzano PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK/LUISMANZANOOFFICIAL
Manzano, son of veteran actress-politician Vilma Santos-Recto and her first husband, actor Edu Manzano, lost to outgoing Gov. Hermilando "Dodo" Mandanas, who will now serve as vice governor. Mandanas is completing his third consecutive term as governor by June, making him ineligible to seek reelection in the same post.
While Luis has yet to release an official statement, his wife, actress Jessy Mendiola, took to social media with a reflective message many interpreted as a response to the defeat.
"He is Bigger. When the weight of uncertainty lies heavily on my shoulders, I glance at the stars and envision far beyond what I see... I remember God is much bigger than all of it; in His presence, I rest," read the quote Mendiola posted.
She added, "One of the greatest gifts is knowing that God's plans are always more beautiful than your disappointments... only HE knows what is meant for you."
Manzano replied with a simple message: "Happy Mother's Day Mama, we love you."
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Despite Luis' loss, his mother and half-brother both secured victories in Batangas — the longstanding bailiwick of the influential Recto political clan.
Vilma, dubbed the "Star for All Seasons," was proclaimed governor of Batangas on Tuesday after earning more than 640,000 votes, defeating rivals Mike Rivera (Liberal Party), Jay Ilagan (Promdi), and independent Walter Ozaeta. Marking a triumphant return, she previously served the province as governor from 2007 to 2016, following her years as mayor of Lipa City and later as a congresswoman.
Vilma is married to Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, scion of a storied Batangueño political dynasty.
Their youngest son, Ryan Christian Recto, also won the congressional seat of the newly created lone district of Lipa City, continuing what many observers have described as the Rectos' enduring political presence in the region.
"Frankly speaking, we've been in public service for 106 years from the time of my grandfather, so Ryan will be the fourth generation to follow those footsteps. So in effect, that is our inspiration," Ralph Recto said.
Vilma, for her part, did not attend her proclamation and opted to rest, according to her husband.
"She's happy that she won, naturally, of course. Sad as well because Lucky didn't make it — but that's how the cookie crumbles, so to speak," he added.
The family's simultaneous run in Batangas drew both support and scrutiny during the campaign. While Vilma and Ryan's wins reinforce the strength of the Recto name in the province, Luis' loss highlights the complexities of entering politics without the same established ties — despite his mother's legacy and star power.
