Leviste denies allegations, explains cyber libel case vs Palace official

Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste has denied a series of allegations against him, saying these prompted him to file a cyber libel complaint against Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro.

In a video posted on social media, Leviste rejected claims that he received government funds, stressing that he never obtained a single cent from the state and does not have any “ghost projects.”

He explained that the contracts linked to his companies are permits for private investments, all financed using his own money and developed on privately owned land.

Leviste also addressed allegations of a supposed P24 billion fine connected to Solar Philippines, clarifying that the letter being cited was addressed to SP New Energy Corporation (SPNEC), a company he said he had already sold to Meralco.

He emphasized that no formal complaint has been filed by SPNEC and that no government funds were taken in connection with the issue. The SPNEC-Meralco transaction had previously drawn attention as part of the country’s expanding renewable energy sector.

He further denied claims that he sold a legislative franchise, explaining that the company sold to Meralco did not have a franchise, while the company that holds one was never sold.

Leviste said this allegation was among the reasons he decided to pursue legal action against Castro.

He also disputed assertions that his projects delivered only two percent output, citing a 3,500-megawatt renewable energy project whose groundbreaking was led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Leviste described the project as one of the country’s largest renewable energy developments and among the biggest foreign investments in 2025, saying it contributes to national energy security.

He concluded by saying the allegations were intended to divert public attention from more pressing national issues.

“Malinaw na ang mga isyung ito ay panglilihis sa mga tunay na isyu,” Leviste said. (“It is clear that these issues are meant to divert attention from the real issues.”)