Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed Monday that she is seeking ₱500 million in damages from Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste, accusing him of tarnishing her integrity through the libel case he filed against her.
“Okay, ₱500 million in damages. It is part of my compulsory counterclaim, as I believe that some facts in the complaint were twisted, and it ruined my integrity as Palace Press Officer,” Castro said during a briefing. “I believe that I deserve and am entitled to such damages.”
Leviste had earlier filed a ₱110 million libel suit against Castro before the Balayan Regional Trial Court, claiming she made “libelous statements” and denying allegations that he sold a company holding a franchise.
Responding to Castro’s countersuit, Leviste challenged her to provide proof of stress or anxiety.
“Mabuti kung maglabas ng medical certificate ang doktor ni USec Claire Castro na talagang dumaranas siya ng ‘sleepless nights and anxiety,’ para malaman kung anong paggamot ang sasagutin natin para sa kanya, kahit wala akong obligasyon sa kanya,” he said.
Leviste maintained that his actions were intended to ensure accountability among public officials.
“Dagdag ko: Interesado ang taumbayan na malaman ang kalagayan ng kalusugan ng mga kawani ng gobyerno at kilatisin ang kanilang trabaho—lalo na’t ₱2.46 bilyon ang 2026 budget ng PCO ni USec Claire, at si Acting Secretary Dave Gomez ay hindi pa nakukumpirma ng Commission on Appointments,” he added.