A Regional Trial Court in Balayan, Batangas has ordered the issuance of summons in the civil libel case filed by Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste against Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro.

Leviste’s office on Saturday shared with the media a copy of the order issued by Branch 11 of the Balayan RTC, stating that the case was raffled to the court on 28 January 2026 and that “the court gives due course to the complaint.”

“The Branch Clerk of Court is ordered to issue summons in accordance with existing rules,” the order read.

“Plaintiff’s counsel is directed to submit a Notice of Appearance in compliance with Rule 13-A of the Amended Rules of Court,” it added.

Leviste’s complaint stemmed from Castro’s public statements regarding a solar energy company he founded.

The lawmaker described as “untrue, reckless, and malicious” Castro’s claims on her vlog that he sold a company holding a government franchise, as well as her alleged insinuation that he “flipped” the franchise without the required congressional approval.

Leviste maintained that the company he sold did not have a franchise.

He is seeking P100 million in moral damages, P10 million in exemplary damages, and P1 million in attorney’s fees.

Castro has earlier said her statements were based on pronouncements made by the Office of the Ombudsman and by Leviste himself.

She has also said she believes the libel complaint is intended to silence her.