EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the seventh of a series of articles which identified some of the prominent political dynasties in the country. Studies conducted by the Ateneo School of Government (ASOG) identify two types of political dynasties inherent to Philippine experience. “Thin” dynasties involve family members succeeding one another in office [sunod-sunod], often as a means to circumvent term limits and maintain political influence.

In contrast, “fat” dynasties are composed of family members running for and holding multiple positions at the same time [sabay-sabay] in the legislative and executive branches of government (Mendoza, et al., 2019). Using the data collected by the Ateneo School of Government through the Ateneo Policy Center from 1992 to 2022, and with additional historical research from News5 Digital, we compiled lists of family members for the ten vote-rich provinces in the Philippines for the 2025 elections. Through a combination of AI tools and manual review, the dominant families in the ten largest voting provinces were identified and arranged chronologically, from the oldest to the youngest members on record. While some family rosters are exhaustive,
others remain incomplete due to the lack or scarcity of information confirming each member’s position and term of service.

Batangas, a Southern Luzon province known for its cultural heritage and economic vitality, is also a bastion of entrenched political families. As the seventh vote-rich province in the Philippines, with over 1.9 million registered voters, its electoral sway reaches far beyond local races. For national candidates eyeing Senate seats or the presidency in 2025, Batangas represents not just a trove of votes, but a launchpad for regional influence, which has potently catapulted several political personalities to national office in the past. With its proximity to the capital, a hiccup in Malacañang or Congress could send ripples to the electorate view of every Batagueño. A few savvy politicians, mostly from prominent families, have learned to read the national pulse from the provincial palm of Batangas, enabling them to reach the palace and both chambers of Congress through appointments or elections.

Ateneo Policy Center’s electoral dataset from 1992 to 2022, supported by historical research from News5 Digital, reveals how six political families—Recto, Dimacuha, Collantes, Laurel, Leviste, and Ermita—have held the reins of power in Batangas for decades. These families have cemented their authority through intergenerational succession, spousal seat rotation, and strategic post-switching.

RECTO FAMILY

The Recto name carries national weight and deep provincial roots, starting with Claro M. Recto, a nationalist and constitutionalist who served in both the Senate and the 1935 Constitutional Convention. Today, his descendants are central figures in Batangas politics. Their pattern of alternating national and provincial roles reflects a calculated strategy to maintain control while expanding influence. Their base in Lipa City, a major urban hub, makes the Rectos indispensable allies for national coalitions vying for Batangas’ electorate.

Courtesy: News5 Digital

Claro M. Recto
SENATOR, MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, FOREIGN
MINISTER

• The late statesman and nationalist was first elected as senator under the American-era legislature from 1931 to 1935. He served in the upper chamber again from 1941 to 1946, although during this time, the Senate was not able to convene until 1945 because of the Japanese occupation. After World War II, he became senator once more from 1949 to 1960. He was also a member of the House of Representatives from 1916 to 1928, and a foreign minister during the Japanese occupation. In 1957, he ran for president but wound up fourth behind eventual winner Carlos P. Garcia.
  
  Ralph Recto
  SENATOR, MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, FINANCE
  SECRETARY

• A grandson of Claro, he began his political career as congressman in 1992 until 2001. He later won as senator but lost his reelection in 2007 largely due to backlash over his sponsorship of the Expanded Value-Added Tax (EVAT) Law which raised the VAT rate from 10% to 12% in 2005. Ralph returned to the Senate in 2010, completing two terms until 2022. In his last Senate term, Ralph authored the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act and Taxing Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), among others. He went back to the lower house as Batangas’ 6th district representative, even serving as House Minority Leader until his appointment by President Bongbong Marcos as finance secretary in 2024.
  
  Vilma Santos-Recto
  GOVERNOR, MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
  
• She is the wife of Ralph and a revered screen icon. Ate V, as she is popularly known in the entertainment industry, completed three terms as mayor of Lipa City from 1998 to 2007. She then served as governor of Batangas from 2007 to 2016. Vilma shifted to Congress, representing the 6th district since 2016. She is one of the lawmakers who voted to grant ABS-CBN a new franchise. Vilma is eyeing a return to the governorship in 2025.
  
  Richard “Ricky” Recto
  VICE GOVERNOR
  
• Ricky is the brother of Ralph. He was Batangas vice governor from 1995 to 2004. He died in 2022.

DIMACUHA FAMILY

For over three decades, Batangas City has been under the political stewardship of the Dimacuha family. Their governance model—centered on municipal dominan—demonstrates how a political family can consolidate power within city boundaries.

Courtesy: Batangas City Official Website

Eduardo Dimacuha
MAYOR

• He served multiple terms as mayor (1988-1988, 2001-2010, and 2013-2016), crafting a legacy of infrastructure and economic development that turned Batangas City into a regional growth center.
  
  Vilma Abaya-Dimacuha
  MAYOR
  
• Vilma, the wife of Eduardo, succeeded him as mayor in 2010 and served until 2013, preserving the family’s continuity in the city’s executive leadership.
  
  Beverly Rose Dimacuha
  MAYOR
  
• She is the daughter of Eduardo and Vilma. She succeeded her parents as Batangas City mayor (2016, 2019, 2022). She is vying for the province’s 4th district congressional seat in 2025.

COLLANTES FAMILY

Operating from San Pascual and surrounding towns, the Collantes family has tightly held the 3rd district of Batangas. Backed by a loyal support base covering multiple towns, the Collantes family remains a formidable force in Batangas’ eastern bloc.

Courtesy: Congresswoman Ma. Theresa “Maitet” V. Collantes Facebook Page

Nelson Collantes
MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, MAYOR, ACTING INTERIOR SECRETARY

• Nelson, a former Air Force officer, first assumed office as representative in 2010 and served until 2016. He became Tanauan City mayor in 2022. He is seeking reelection in 2025. Prior to pursuing elective office, Nelson became officer in charge of the Department of Interior and Local Government in 1998.
  
  Ma. Theresa “Maitet” Collantes
  MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
  
• Maitet, the wife of Nelson, served as 3rd district representative from 2016 to 2022. Her son King is replacing her as 3rd district representative in 2025.
  
  Jaime Collantes
  COUNCILOR
  
• He is a three-term councilor of San Pascual from 2016 to 2025.

LAUREL FAMILY

The Laurel family stands as one of the oldest and most prestigious political lineages in the Philippines. Anchored in Tanauan and Santo Tomas, the Laurels employed a topdown dynastic approach — leveraging national prestige to build local loyalty. Although none of their members currently participate in electoral politics, their name remains potent in both electoral contests and political negotiations.

Courtesy: Presidential Museum

Jose P. Laurel
SENATOR, PRESIDENT

• He was famously the president of the Japanese-installed Second Philippine Republic during World War II from 1943 to 1945. He was also a senator during the American colonial period from 1925 to 1931 and after the post-war era from 1951 to 1957. He later became associate justice of the Supreme Court.
  
  Salvador “Doy” Laurel
  MEMBER OF THE INTERIM BATASANG PAMBANSA, SENATOR, PRIME MINISTER, VICE PRESIDENT, SECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
  
• Doy, the son of Jose, first served as senator from 1967 to 1972, authoring so called “Laurel Laws” to alleviate poverty. Following the 1986 Edsa Revolution, Doy became vice president, prime minister, and foreign minister at the same time. In 1992, he ran for president but lost. He later became chairman of the National Centennial Commission.
  
  Sotero “Teroy” Laurel II
  SENATOR
  
• Teroy, another son of Jose and older brother of Doy, became senator from 1987 to 1992. During that stint, he served as Senate President pro tempore.
  
  Jose “Pepito” Laurel Jr.
  MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
  
• Pepito, also a son of Jose and brothers of Doy and Teroy, became the ninth speaker of the House of Representatives. He was first elected as 3rd district congressman from 1945 to 1957. Pepito returned to the same post from 1961 to. He served as minority leader of the Regular Batasang Pambansa from 1984 to 1986.
  
  Jose Macario Laurel IV
  MAYOR
  
• He is the son of Jose Jr. He became congressman from 1957 to 1961 and from 1998 to 2001. Jose IV also became Philippine ambassador to Japan.
  

LEVISTE FAMILY

The Leviste clan exemplifies long-term political investment at the provincial level. The family has produced governors, board members, and vice governors, establishing a durable base in Lipa City and Lian. The Levistes have mastered the art of political reinvention, adapting to new electoral systems and shifting voter preferences while preserving their stronghold over the capitol.

Courtesy: Mark Leviste/X

Feliciano “Sanoy” Leviste
GOVERNOR

• Sanoy was a towering figure in Batangas politics for nearly two decades during the postwar period, serving as governor from 1947 to 1971.
  
  Antonio “Tony” Leviste
  GOVERNOR
  
• Like his father Sanoy, Tony also served as governor from 1972 to 1980 and 1998 to 2007, spanning the Martial Law and post-Edsa periods. His former wife, Loren Legarda, is a multi-term senator. His son Leandro is running for 1st district representative of Batangas.
  
  Jose Antonio “Mark” Leviste
  PROVINCIAL BOARD MEMBER, VICE GOVERNOR
  
• Mark is a nephew of Tony. He began his political career as a provincial board member in 2004. He was elected vice governor from 2007 to 2016, and again from 2019 to 2025. Mark initially announced to run for governor but backed out and filed his candidacy for 3rd district representative in the coming election.

ERMITA FAMILY

Unlike other Batangas dynasties that dominate local government units, the Ermita family focused their influence on congressional representation, reinforcing their legacy as legislative specialists. Their dominance over the 1st District reflects their continued relevance and adaptability in Batangas’ evolving political landscape.

Eduardo Ermita
MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, DEFENSE SECRETARY, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

• After an illustrious career as deputy chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and as undersecretary of National Defense, he was elected 1st district representative of Batangas from 1992 to 2001. He was appointed as defense secretary and later as executive secretary by President Gloria Arroyo.

Courtesy: Eileen Ermita-Buhain Facebook Page

Eileen Ermita-Buhain
MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

• She continued her father Eduardo’s legacy by serving three consecutive terms as congresswoman from 2001 to 2010, then returning for another stint from 2013 to 2022.
  
  Eric Buhain
  MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
  
• He is the husband of Eileen and son-in-law of Eduardo. A former Olympic swimmer and chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission and Games and Amusement Board during the Arroyo administration, Eric ran for 1st district representative in 2022 to replace his term-limited wife. He will seek reelection in 2025.

SABILI FAMILY

The Sabili family traces its bailiwick to Lipa City and its surrounding towns. They have shaped Lipa City’s political landscape by holding significant offices, fielding candidates for key positions, and maintaining a political party presence through the Nationalist People’s Coalition.

Courtesy: Bernadette Sabili Facebook Page

Meynardo Sabili
PROVINCIAL BOARD MEMBER, MAYOR

• He began his foray into politics as a provincial board member from 1992 to 2001. Nine years later, he was elected mayor of Lipa City and served until 2019. Meynardo was appointed as undersecretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and chairman of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor. He ran for mayor in 2022 but lost to incumbent Eric Africa.
  
  Bernadette Sabili
  MAYOR
• She is the wife of Meynardo. Bernadette replaced her husband as Lipa City mayor in 2019. Instead of challenging Eric Africa for the mayoral post, she will run for 6th district representative in 2025.

Why Batangas Matters in 2025

Batangas is always a “hard-fought” political arena, given its competitive local politics and history of dynamic, discerning voters. With more than 1.9 million registered voters, Batangas is also one of the most electorally influential provinces in the Philippines. In the context of the 2025 elections, Batangas is large enough to swing national election results. Historically, candidates who perform well in Batangas and the broader Calabarzon region have gone on to secure national victories, as seen in the successfulcampaigns of Rodrigo Duterte in 2016 and Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in 2022. Candidates are expected to engage Batangueño voters on key issues such as healthcare, education, disaster resilience, agricultural modernization, and infrastructure
development.

The impending return of Vilma Santos-Recto to the capitol and possible election of her sons are likely to stir mixed views on the dynastic direction of the Recto family, especially with Finance Secretary Ralph Recto still playing a major role in the Marcos Jr. Cabinet. But apart from Vilma’s return, the more appealing battle is between her son Luis, a renowned TV host, and outgoing governor Hermilando “Dodo” Mandanas for vice governor. Mandanas built his image in the province’s political consciousness without originating from a well-entrenched dynasty. He is also credited for petitioning to allot local governments a 40 percent share of all national taxes to increase their financial capacity and autonomy, also known as the “Mandanas Ruling” which the Supreme Court affirmed with finality in 2019. It will be interesting to see how the Recto brand would rub on Luis as a political novice and outsider facing a household veteran in Mandanas.