Feliciano Leviste

Who was Feliciano Leviste?

Feliciano Leviste, popularly known as "Sanoy", was governor of Batangas province in the Philippines from 1947 to 1972. Respected for his populist platform, Leviste governed Batangas during an unprecedented twenty four years, winning six elections in the process. He was a member of the Nacionalista party.

Footnote 5 on page 135 in Richard Neely's How Courts Govern America recounts the author's brief experience living in the Governor's palace. He specifically recalls Leviste's policy of allowing underprivileged Batangeunos to simply walk into the palace and have a free meal, typifying Leviste's populist platform.

He was married to Aurelia Malvar Leviste, daughter of Philippine revolutionary general Miguel Malvar. He was the father of Expedito Leviste, Representative to the National Assembly from the 2nd district, Batangas from 1969 to 1972 and from 1978 to 1984.