by Pia Javier
Batangas Congressman Lean Legarda Leviste was a recent guest at the “Kapihan sa Manila Bay,” a show meant for straight talk and tough questions. Instead of taking this show briefer seriously, Leviste turned it into his personal stage, delivering an hour-long rant against his favorite punching bags: Congressman Edwin Gardiola and former DPWH Undersecretary Arrey Perez. What was supposed to be an exposé on alleged ghost flood control projects quickly became a repetitive replay of old accusations—with barely a hint of new evidence.
One can’t help but ask: Why the obsession? Is this just political posturing or something deeper? Given that the Gardiolas are a known opposition figure in Batangas, it’s easy to suspect that the Leviste family—yes, including mom, Senator Loren Legarda Leviste—is playing territorial politics, aiming to keep Batangas under their exclusive control.
Leviste’s act, though, falls flat if he hopes to be seen as the next big young reformer like Pasig’s Vico Sotto. Instead, online commenters liken him to the controversial Congressman Kiko Barzaga—someone criticized not only for political positions but for strange and erratic behavior. And speaking of awkward moments, who can forget Leviste’s eyebrow raise and eerie “Opo” when complimented on his looks? Toss in his direct stare at the camera warning “Marami akong alam” (“I know a lot”), and it starts feeling less like confidence and more like a creepy cameo in a political thriller.
As for his much-touted “data” on corruption, Leviste remains frustratingly vague, leaving audiences wondering if it’s solid proof or just smoke and mirrors. Then there was the most puzzling moment yet: despite publicly attacking Gardiola repeatedly, Leviste recently asked for a selfie with him. Political theater? Bullying in disguise? The public is left scratching their heads.
Leviste, born into privilege and political dynasty, reveals an unsettling mix of entitlement and instability beneath that polished exterior. His repeated attacks don’t come off as principled critique but as the tantrums of a brat who hasn’t learned to play nice in politics.
If leadership is built on credibility and seriousness, Lean Leviste’s house of cards is tumbling. The “good boy” image he tries to project seems more like a facade crumbling under the weight of his own antics.
For Batangas and the country, this spectacle should be a warning: politics isn’t a playground for vendettas and drama. Real service demands focus, maturity, and integrity. Sadly, on that score, Lean Legarda Leviste is leaning, and leaning hard—but nowhere near the right way.
