Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro on Friday addressed the civil libel case filed against her by Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, saying she has yet to receive a copy of the complaint and is responding based only on Leviste’s public statements.
Castro said Leviste himself admitted in an interview that information regarding the alleged sale of a company with a government franchise came from Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla.
However, Leviste said he would not pursue legal action against the Ombudsman out of respect, noting that the Ombudsman is a friend of his mother.
“Kakasuhan ba niya ako dahil sa hindi ako kaibigan ng nanay niya at hindi niya ako ginagalang?” Castro said.
Castro questioned why statements attributed to the Ombudsman are being treated as valid and non-maligning, while her own remarks—sourced from the same official—are being labeled libelous.
She also pointed out that Leviste publicly acknowledged he is no longer the owner of Solar Para sa Bayan, the company linked to the government franchise, after divesting his shares.
“He himself is the source,” Castro said.
Castro further suggested that the libel suit appears intended to silence her and prevent further discussion of the issue.
“Ang tanong ngayon: sino ang tunay na nasa likod ng pagsasampa ng kasong ito laban sa akin? Sino ang nais na mabusalan ang aking bibig? At sino ang lubos na makikinabang dito?” she said.
Earlier on Friday, Leviste filed a civil libel complaint before the Balayan Regional Trial Court, seeking P110 million in damages against Castro.
Leviste said the case stemmed from Castro’s statement that he sold a company holding a government franchise, a claim he denied, insisting that the company he sold did not have a franchise.