Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste has brushed off a criminal complaint filed by the Department of Energy (DOE) against him and five other executives of Solar Para sa Bayan Corporation (SPSB), characterizing the legal action as meritless.
Speaking to House reporters on Thursday, May 7, the neophyte lawmaker stated he had only learned of the allegations through media reports.
“The only information I have is what I got from the media, and based on that, I can say: super duper hina,” Leviste told House reporters.
The complaint, lodged by Energy Secretary Sharon Garin before the Department of Justice (DOJ) on May 6, alleges violations of the Public Service Act. The DOE claims that SPSB failed to comply with the conditions of its legislative franchise under Republic Act No. 11357, specifically regarding solar projects in Occidental Mindoro.
According to the agency, the company failed to secure essential permits and ignored reportorial requirements mandated by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001.
Furthermore, the DOE noted that the 2019 franchise required operations to commence within two years or face automatic revocation—a deadline the agency claims was not met.
Leviste, who serves as the company’s chairman and CEO, warned that the lawsuit could have a chilling effect on the utility sector by encouraging “nuisance” litigation.
“I would also like to point out: This sets a precedent for future administrations to file nuisance complaints against officers and directors of public utilities in the Philippines,” he said.
While Leviste referred further technical inquiries to his counsel, lawyer Ruy Rondain, he maintained that the lack of solid evidence behind the case could ultimately discourage vital investment in the nation’s energy infrastructure.