BATANGAS – Leandro Legarda Leviste is set to push for the cityhood of three major towns in Batangas after clinching a historic victory as the new representative of the province’s 1st District in Monday’s elections. 

Leviste secured an overwhelming 268,764 votes, or 75% of the total, trouncing incumbent Eric Buhain, who garnered 91,588 votes. 

The win marked the highest winning percentage against a sitting House member nationwide in this election cycle, and the most votes ever recorded in any congressional race in Batangas history.

 Legarda's son Leandro Leviste wins as Batangas rep

The victory ended the 30-year dominance of the Ermita and Apacible political families in the district.

 It is also the first time since 1972 that the district has elected a representative not affiliated with either clan. 

 Leviste defeated Buhain across all eight municipalities and cities of the 1st District, including Balayan, Calaca, Calatagan, Lemery, Lian, Nasugbu, Taal, and Tuy.

 Running on the campaign slogan “Paunlarin Natin ang Unang Distrito,” Leviste called for stronger national support for Western Batangas, vowing to transform it into the most developed and prosperous district in the province.

 In an interview following his proclamation, Leviste announced plans to file a bill proposing the conversion of Nasugbu, Balayan, and Lemery into cities.

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"Ang panukalang batas na isusulong ko sa pagbubukas ng Kongreso ay ang cityhood ng Nasugbu, Balayan at Lemery," he said.

 "Sa ngayon, ang Unang Distrito ay nagbibigay ng malaking tax revenue sa provincial government ng Batangas, pero baka sa mga nakaraang taon ay hindi nakakakuha ng masyadong malaking budget mula rito. Kaya sana maaprubahan ang panukalang batas para ang taxes collected ay manatili na sa Nasugbu, Balayan, at Lemery, at mas lalaki ang suporta sa social programs ng distrito."

 At 32, Leviste is the youngest billionaire entrepreneur in the Philippines. 

He shifted to public service in 2024 after selling a controlling stake in his company, Solar Philippines New Energy Corporation to Meralco for P34 billion.