In a heartfelt and emotionally charged statement, TV host and actor Luis Manzano finally opened up after his surprising defeat in the Batangas Vice Gubernatorial race, sending waves of reactions across the country. The charismatic and well-loved personality, who transitioned from showbiz to politics with high hopes, did not hold back as he addressed his supporters, critics, and the people of Batangas.

Luis Faces Defeat with Grace—but Not Without Emotion

“I may have lost the election, but I did not lose myself,” Luis said in his emotional speech, delivered to a crowd of cheering fans and loyal supporters. “This experience tested me, changed me, and most of all—revealed who I truly am. Now you know the real me.”

Despite the sting of loss, Luis showed no signs of bitterness. Instead, he spoke about the lessons learned, the truths uncovered, and the raw realities of Philippine politics. “Politics is not for the faint-hearted,” he declared. “But neither is it for the fake-hearted.”

“Hindi Pera ang Laban, Kundi Paninindigan”

One of the most talked-about parts of his speech was his subtle dig at the political system. “Hindi ako bumili ng boto. Hindi ako nangako ng hindi ko kayang tuparin. And maybe that’s why I lost,” he said bluntly, a line that drew loud applause from the crowd.

Sources close to Luis revealed that he refused to play “dirty politics,” opting instead for a clean and honest campaign—something that many admired but also feared might have cost him the win.

Support Pours In from Celebrities and Fans

After his statement went viral, several celebrities including Vilma Santos (his mother), Anne Curtis, and Vice Ganda posted supportive messages praising Luis for his courage, authenticity, and composure under pressure. Social media flooded with hashtags like #LuisStillOurLeader, #LuisManzanoSpeaksUp, and #RealLeadership.

One netizen wrote: “Luis may not have won the seat, but he won the people’s respect.”

Is This the End or a New Beginning?

When asked if he plans to run again in the future, Luis left a cryptic but hopeful message: “This chapter may have closed, but the story isn’t over. You haven’t seen the last of me.”

Luis Manzano’s journey into politics may have started with loss, but it also ignited a deeper, more powerful narrative—one of honesty, strength, and resilience.

Stay tuned as Luis Manzano’s next move could shake things up all over again. Will he return to showbiz, continue public service in a different form, or gear up for a bigger political comeback? One thing’s for sure: Luis just showed us the kind of man he really is—win or lose.

Vilma Santos secures Batangas gov seat; son Luis losing vice gov race
MANILA, Philippines — Vilma Santos-Recto is set to once again win as governor of Batangas, based on the partial results of the 2025 elections. Santos served as the province’s governor for three consecutive terms from 2007 to 2016.

According to the Commission on Elections’ 1:08 a.m. of Tuesday tally, Santos garnered 604,826 votes with 80 percent of the election returns from Batangas province already submitted.

Santos’ closest rivals, Mike Rivera only had 490,611 while Jay Ilagan had 50,606 votes.

Meanwhile, Santos’ son Luis Manzano, who is running for vice governor lags behind Dodo Mandanas with only 522,291 votes versus his rival’s 759,283 votes.