Young tycoon-turned-lawmaker Legarda Leviste wins Batangas landslide

Leandro Legarda Leviste, a 32-year-old billionaire, renewable energy advocate, and founder of the Philippines’ largest solar energy company—recently acquired by the Metro Pacific Group—clinched a historic landslide victory in Batangas’ 1st District, defeating incumbent Eric Buhain with 75% of the vote. This marks the largest margin of victory against any sitting congressman in the 2025 elections. The son of Senator Loren Legarda, Legarda Leviste left the business world after a P34-billion Solar Philippines deal with Meralco to pursue public service. His platform focuses on education, infrastructure, and job creation for Western Batangas.