Batangas gubernatorial candidate Vilma Santos-Recto on Monday shrugged off criticisms surrounding political dynasties as she and her sons Luis "Lucky" Manzano and Ryan Christian Recto sought local posts. 

Manzano is running for vice governor, while Recto is seeking a congressional seat in Lipa City.

In a chance interview after they voted, Santos-Recto dismissed allegations of political dynasty, saying they were not alone in the practice.

“Natural na ’yon, hindi lang naman kami. I guess the most important thing is, nagsilbi kami, nag-offer kami. People will decide, hindi naman kami,” she said. “Alam namin yung programang kaya naming gawin at magagawa for Batangueños, and I guess yun ang mas importante.”

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The Recto family has drawn mixed reactions online, with critics raising concerns about entrenched political families. However, Santos-Recto maintained that their candidacies were driven by a desire to serve, not to monopolize power.

“Syempre doble ang kaba, pero walang nakaupo sa amin. Mga ordinaryo kaming kandidato na nag-alay din ng programa,” she said, referring to her sons. “Ginawa namin kung anong ginawa ng ibang kandidato—nag-house to house, palengke, rally, motorcade. We did our best, and definitely, God will take care of the rest.”

Santos-Recto also noted the importance of passing on the torch to the younger generation, noting that both her sons were at an age where they could take on the responsibility of public service.

“I always tell them we’re so blessed. Now nasa edad na sila, baka it’s time naman na ibalik yung biyaya sa mga nangangailangan,” she said. “I cannot be here forever. Senior citizen na ako. Ang importante, well guided sila how to serve people.”

Having served for over two decades in various public roles, Santos-Recto acknowledged the need for “new blood” and younger perspectives, especially in a political landscape increasingly shaped by technology.

“Kailangan ko may partner na may enerhiya. ’Yung hindi ko kaya, pwede kong ipasa sa kanya, and one person that I truly trust,” she added. “Pagsamahin mo ang wisdom at ang younger mind—pag pinalad kami, mas epektibo at mas mabilis ang serbisyong maibibigay namin.”

“Hindi ko first time ito. Nahilingan lang ako, hindi ako nagprisinta. Sino ako para tumanggi sa tiwalang binigay sa akin ng 24 years?” she added.