Atty. Levito Baligod runs for Leyte seat, says he’s not a Duterte supporter despite 2016 endorsement

Anti-graft and corruption crusader Atty. Levito Baligod is running for the 5th congressional district seat of Leyte in the May 2025 national elections. But this isn’t his first time stepping into the political arena—and surprisingly, it was former Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte who first encouraged him to run.

“Tumakbo ako noong 2016 bilang Senador sa paanyaya ni dating Mayor Duterte. Dalawa-tatlong beses kaming nag-usap. At ang sabi niya, tumakbo ka bilang Senador, ‘Sa akin ka,’ sabi niya,” he recalled during a recent media conference held in a restaurant in Quezon City.

“E nagtanong ako kung bakit at gusto ko naman yung mga paliwanag niya dahil sa PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund) daw [na kasong hinawakan ko]. Napaoo naman ako. Kaya no’ng umoo ako, ‘Halika dito!’ Pinatayo niya ako, itinaas niya yung kamay ko. Yun na yon!”

Despite this gesture of endorsement, Baligod admitted he didn’t push through with a full campaign. “Pero sumama ako sa kampanya nang limang beses lang, dahil hindi ko pa ma-internalize yung politika, kaya hindi ko itinuloy yung pangangampanya.”

When asked if he’s a Duterte supporter, he was quick to set the record straight. “Hindi po. Supporter ako sa ibang mga ideal niya para sa bansa.”

On celebrities posting about the ICC case and entering politics

With Duterte once again in the spotlight over issues surrounding the International Criminal Court, Baligod was asked for his take on celebrities speaking out about the case. For him, it’s about responsibility and discernment—especially when one holds influence.

“Bawat Pilipino naman ay may karapatan, ‘no, na mag-express, magbigay ng kanilang damdamin. Pero ang request ko lang, bago sana sila mag-post sa kanilang social media platform—kasi influencers sila e—kailangan munang pag-aralan ding mabuti, magbasa muna, at mahirap kasing makidebate sa isang legal issue na hindi ka naman well-acquainted sa legal principles or legal doctrines, ‘no?

“So, you let the law scholars discuss amongst themselves for the benefit of the general public. Pero, okay lang yon! Magsabi tayo ng sentimyento natin. Pero, mag-ingat tayo, dahil kung influencer ka, meron kang mahihimok, maiimpluwensiyahan na ibang tao, and responsibilidad mo yan, ‘no? What you put in the minds of others is your responsibility. Isipin nila na may responsibilidad sila and be careful also.”

Still, when asked whether he has considered getting a celebrity endorser, he didn’t hesitate to answer: “Wala po. I will run based on my own credentials.”

With clear convictions, a track record in anti-corruption, and a desire to lead by example, Atty. Baligod is stepping into the 2025 race not with showbiz fanfare—but with substance.