LIPA CITY, Batangas — Political leaders from the province of Batangas, gathered under the banner ‘One Batangas’ unite despite differences of national party affiliation and expressed their support for the tandem of Manila Isko Moreno Domagoso and Dr. Willie Ong, and their senatorial slate.

All of the six incumbent district representatives, all provincial board members, two-thirds of the mayors, vice mayors, councilors and barangay officials from the entire province recently attended the convention at the Claro M. Recto Event Center.

One Batangas is an aggrupation of Batangas political leaders organized before the 2016 Synchronized National and Local Elections that aims to field unified candidates who would push advocacies for the development of the province of Batangas as a premier province of the Calabarzon region.

Manila City Mayor and presidential candidate Isko Moreno (middle) and his vice presidential candidate Dr. Willie Ong (right) get a crucial endorsement from the province of Batangas led by outgoing senator and Batangas congressional bet Ralph Recto (left). (Photo from Mayor Isko Moreno Facebook Page/Manila Bulletin)

The contingent was led by Senator Ralph Recto, who declared his support for Domagoso right after the mayor declared his bid for the Presidency in September.

Recto recognized Manila’s innovative COVID-19 response under Domagoso’s leadership, adding that these practices should be replicated across the country.

“Kung kaya ng Maynila, ang sabi ko kay Mayor Isko, gawin natin sa buong Pilipinas,” he said.

Citing the Manila Mayor’s humble beginnings and overall track record in public service, the senator praised Domagoso for his “competence, courage, and empathy for ordinary people.”

Recto who is running unopposed as the next Congressman of the Lone District of Lipa City urged the province of Batangas to support Domagoso’s bid for the President.

“Napakaraming problema na haharapin ang ating Bayan, kaya’t napakahalaga na tama ang piliin natin na mamumuno sa ating bansa. Ang Batangas, kinikilalang matalinong botante. Walang nananalo Pangulo na hindi nananalo sa Batangas,” he said.

After the convention, officials from Lipa City, the most populous city in the province, presented Domagoso a copy of the Sangguniang Panlungsod resolution declaring him an ‘adopted son’ of the city.

Domagoso was also given a copy of a resolution authorizing Lipa City Mayor Eric Africa to enter into a sister-city relationship with Manila.

Joenald M. Rayos

Lemery mayor Alilio passes away

In Batangas, BBM reiterates presidential run is non-negotiable

One Batangas unites various parties, picks Moreno-Ong tandem

3-way fight seen in Batangas’ 2nd District congressional race

Massive fraud unearthed in Lipa City’s mayoralty race