Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla alleged that Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste’s solar company secured its franchise through political connections.
“Kuryente ang problema natin tapos maglalagay ka pa ng sinasabi nilang ‘genius’ na bata na gumawa ng solar. Kalokohan! Niloko lang tayong lahat kasi may kakuntsaba ‘yan sa taas,” Remulla said in an interview.
He noted that the franchise was approved in 2019 and linked to the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Hindi nila naintindihan ‘yung corporate structure niyan eh. Sinong kasama niya eh ‘di may mga abogadong kausap ‘yan. May koneksiyon sa Duterte government. 2019 ‘yung franchise,” he added.
Remulla also pointed to the possible influence of Leviste’s mother, Senator Loren Legarda, who chaired the Senate Committee on Finance when the bill was passed.
“Kasama nanay niya sa naglakad niyan. Kunwari arm’s length siya pero chairman ka ng budget, chairman ka ng finance committee, puwede bang wala?” he remarked.
The Office of the Ombudsman is currently investigating Leviste’s solar firm amid allegations of franchise violations.