Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Tuesday called Batangas First District Rep. Leandro Leviste’s claim that the Philippines is under “de facto martial law” a “red herring,” saying it was a tactic to distract the public from his own legal and business troubles.

Leviste, who is facing scrutiny over a solar energy firm he founded, posted a video on Facebook Monday claiming that government critics are being silenced through legal actions and likening the situation to the military rule of the late President Ferdinand Marcos.

“That’s a red herring,” Remulla said during a TV news interview. “He’s facing so many problems that he’s trying to divert attention by saying there are even more problems.”

Remulla added, “Every day, there must be at least 500 to 1,000 vloggers saying the most vitriolic things against the president. Have you heard of anyone being arrested? None.”

He urged Leviste to focus on his own issues instead of creating distractions.

“Face your problems. Was he arrested? Was he harassed? Nothing happened, right?” Remulla said.

Leviste has previously claimed that he is being scrutinized for “exposing corruption” in the Department of Public Works and Highways, a claim denied by Energy Secretary Sharon Garin.

The Department of Energy (DoE) recently imposed a P24-billion fine on Solar Philippines Power Projects Holdings, a firm founded by Leviste, for failing to deliver on its commitments.

Leviste’s Solar Para sa Bayan was granted a congressional franchise under RA 11357 in 2019 to construct, install and operate microgrids in remote areas. He also founded the listed company SP New Energy Corp. (SPNEC) but said he divested before assuming office in the 20th Congress.

Remulla also noted that Leviste could face charges before the Office of the Ombudsman.
“He already has a P24-billion fine from DoE. I think the Ombudsman has publicly said he will be charged as well… but privately, we haven’t talked about it,” Remulla said.

Meanwhile, the Ombudsman confirmed that an investigation is ongoing into alleged franchise violations involving Leviste’s solar firm, following claims that the transfer of the franchise proceeded without congressional approval.