A Makati court has ordered the arrest of Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste over an alleged violation of the Public Service Act, adding another legal case involving the lawmaker, who is already in trouble for his unfinished solar energy projects.
The warrant was issued on October 5 by Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 235 and signed by Presiding Judge Ricardo A. Moldez II. The court directed law enforcement authorities to arrest Leviste and bring him before the court, with bail set at ₱72,000. Copies of the warrant were furnished to the Philippine National Police and concerned police units.
The case involves Section 25 of the Public Service Act, as amended by Republic Act No. 11659. The provision covers people who knowingly and willfully fail to perform obligations required of a public service company. A conviction may carry a fine of up to ₱2 million, imprisonment of six years and one day to 12 years, or both, at the court’s discretion.
The warrant comes months after the Department of Energy filed a criminal complaint against Leviste and other officials of Solar Para sa Bayan Corporation, where Leviste had served as chairman, president, chief executive officer and director. The company received a 25-year legislative franchise in 2019 to develop renewable-energy microgrids and provide electricity to remote, unviable, unserved and underserved communities.
The DOE alleged that the company failed to carry out its franchise obligations, including securing required permits and regulatory approvals, submitting required reports and providing the electricity services covered by its franchise. Leviste previously rejected the allegations and maintained that the complaint lacked basis.
Leviste left the Philippines in August and was reported to be abroad the following month. The newly issued warrant is separate from other complaints and investigations involving the Batangas lawmaker.
