Remulla dismisses Leviste’s ‘de facto martial law’ claim as red herring
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Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla dismissed Batangas First District Rep. Leandro Leviste’s claim of a “de facto martial law” as a “red herring,” saying it was a tactic meant to divert public attention from the lawmaker’s “many problems.”
Leviste, who is facing scrutiny over a solar energy firm he founded, claimed in a Facebook video posted on Monday that the Philippines is under “de facto martial law,” alleging that government critics are being silenced through legal action. He further compared the current situation to the period of military rule under the late President Ferdinand Marcos.
“That’s a red herring. He’s facing so many problems that he’s trying to obfuscate it by saying that other problems exist,” Remulla said during a guest appearance on a TV news program.
“Every day, there must be at least 500 to 1,000 vloggers saying the most vitriolic things against the President. Have you heard anyone being arrested? There’s none,” he added.
“He has to face his problems, stop creating other problems, and instead face his own. Inaresto ba siya? Hinarass ba siya? Wala naman, di ba?” Remulla said.
Leviste earlier claimed that he was being scrutinized for “exposing corruption” in the public works sector, a notion denied by Energy Secretary Sharon Garin.
The Department of Energy (DOE) has 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 Republic Act No. 11357 in 2019 to construct, install, and operate microgrids in remote areas. He also founded the listed firm SP New Energy Corp. (SPNEC), though Leviste has said he divested from the company before assuming office in the 20th Congress.
Remulla said Leviste may also be facing charges before the Office of the Ombudsman.
“May fine na siya na P24 billion sa DOE. I think the Ombudsman has publicly stated na kakasuhan na rin… but privately, we haven’t talked about it,” Remulla said.
The Office of the Ombudsman, meanwhile, said an investigation is underway into alleged franchise violations involving a solar energy firm founded by Leviste, following claims that the transfer of its franchise proceeded without congressional approval.
