Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste admitted he remains the owner of Solar Philippines Power Holdings Inc. (SPPHI), but maintained that such ownership does not breach the constitutional prohibition on public officials having direct or indirect interest in government contracts, franchises, or special privileges.
Leviste confirmed his ownership on the same day he filed a civil libel suit against Palace press officer Claire Castro over allegations about his solar energy empire. He explained that SPPHI holds shares in SP New Energy Corporation (SPNEC).
Citing legal advice, Leviste argued his shareholdings do not violate Article 6, Section 14 of the Constitution.
“I am very obviously well-advised and well-informed by my lawyers…The scope is very broad if your interpretation is that ownership of shares in companies that have dealings with the government is prohibited,” he said.
He stressed that his holdings were declared in his SALN, that he avoids involvement in energy-related legislation, and has taken “great care” not to participate in the affairs of the House committee on energy.
Leviste also called for transparency among lawmakers: “If that’s the case, I call for a broad discussion on Jan. 26 on all potential conflicts of interest. Let’s look at the disclosures of the 318 members of Congress and what the relationships of the companies they own are with government contracts.”
SPPHI recently drew attention after the Department of Energy (DOE) imposed a ₱24 billion fine for allegedly failing to deliver power under more than 30 service contracts.
Leviste denied the claim, saying the projects were not granted permits to proceed, and clarified that the fine appeared to apply only to SPNEC.