CoA: Leviste firms account for 96% of P10.77-B collectibles

Companies under the Solar Philippines group founded by Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste accounted for 96 percent of the P10.77 billion in financial obligations that remain uncollected after the termination of 37 solar energy contracts, according to the Commission on Audit (CoA).

In its audit observations on the Department of Energy, CoA said the government faces a risk of non-collection following the cancellation of the Solar Energy Operating Contracts.

Of the total financial obligations demanded across the 37 terminated contracts, P10.389 billion was attributed to firms under the Leviste-led Solar Philippines group.

CoA said the findings highlight the need for the DoE to promptly enforce contractual obligations and closely monitor compliance by solar energy service contractors.

The termination of the contracts also resulted in about 6.796 gigawatt-hours of unrealized potential generating capacity, CoA said.

The audit agency said the lost capacity could have contributed to the country’s renewable energy supply.