A Closer Look at the Legarda-Leviste Renewable Energy Issue

Atty. Antonio “Tony” La Viña, spokesperson for Senator Loren Legarda, has called for a careful review of the records surrounding allegations involving the senator and her son, Batangas First District Representative Leandro Leviste.

Speaking before members of the digital media, La Viña said the documentary and financial records, in their view, do not support the allegations raised in connection with renewable energy projects associated with Leviste.

He urged the Department of Energy (DOE) to revisit its correspondence and clearly distinguish the companies involved, particularly in relation to reported multibillion-peso financial obligations.

La Viña said one DOE demand letter was addressed to Emmanuel Rubio of SP New Energy Corporation (SPNEC), which has been controlled by Meralco PowerGen Corporation since 2024. He stressed that SPNEC should be distinguished from Solar Para sa Bayan Corporation and other Solar Philippines companies formerly associated with Leviste.

He also maintained that financial obligations properly assessed against Leviste-linked companies had already been settled.

On the renewable energy projects themselves, La Viña emphasized that these were privately funded. He argued that a project’s failure to proceed does not, by itself, establish plunder or graft, noting that renewable energy developments may encounter challenges involving land availability, grid connectivity and overall feasibility.

La Viña also addressed the Solar Para sa Bayan franchise, saying it was non-exclusive and eventually ceased to operate under its automatic revocation provision after failing to become operational. He attributed the non-implementation partly to the absence of implementing rules and designated areas from the DOE.

He likewise disputed claims that Leviste had monopolized renewable energy service contracts, noting that 42 solar contracts associated with him represented only a portion of hundreds of solar service contracts nationwide.

Regarding Legarda, La Viña maintained that the senator was not involved in managing her son’s companies and did not use her public office to advance their business interests.

He said both Legarda and Leviste had submitted their counter-affidavits and expressed confidence that the issues would be addressed through the proper legal process and a careful examination of the records.

La Viña encouraged the public to keep an open mind and consider the documentary evidence as the proceedings continue.