Jamaine Punzalan

Article (news)

Vivienne Gulla

ABS-CBN News

<div><iframe width="729" height="410" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KD9gmM-bsxQ" title="LIVE: Batangas 1st Dist. Rep. Leandro Leviste holds press briefing | January 16" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>MANILA — Batangas First District Rep. Leandro Leviste filed Friday a civil complaint for libel against Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro over her remarks on a solar energy company founded by the lawmaker.</p><p>Leviste filed the case before the Balayan, Batangas Regional Trial Court.</p><p>The lawmaker tagged as “libelous” Castro’s supposed claims that he sold a company holding a government franchise. Leviste asserted that the company he sold had no franchise.</p><p>“Hindi ko po ibinenta ang prangkisa… Ang ibinenta kong kumpanya ay walang prangkisa,” he told the media.</p><p>“Hindi ko naman po nais na masaktan si Usec. Claire Castro ngunit kailangan ko lang pong depensahan ang aking pangalan, dahil naka ilang vlog na po siya tungkol sa akin,” Leviste added.</p><p>The Batangas solon divested his shares in SP New Energy Corp. (SPNEC) before assuming office in the 20th Congress. SPNEC is a separate and distinct corporate entity from Solar Para sa Bayan – which secured a 25-year fresh franchise in 2019.</p><p>Leviste’s lawyer Ferdinand Topacio alleged that Castro’s claims were part of a “targeted attack” against his client, who had been vocal in criticizing the government’s infrastructure budget.</p><p>“Ito ay hindi lamang exercise ng freedom of expression. This is a targeted attack against Cong. Leviste for being a critic of the government,” Topacio said.</p><p>“Ito po ay under the civil code, na ang principle po nito ay kung ikaw ay may ginawang isang bagay na naka-injure ng isang tao, ng kapwa tao mo, you are liable to pay for damages. Hindi po nais ipakulong si Usec. Claire Castro, ngunit gusto namin siyang panagutin. Unang-una, sapagkat may ginawa siyang mali, sa aming opinyon, at pangalawa to vindicate ‘yung good name and reputation of my client na sinira po niya with malice,” he added.  </p><div><iframe width="729" height="410" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rH217n1GT0c" title="DOE chief explains why Leviste’s solar firm contracts were canceled | ANC" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Earlier this week, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said Solar Philippines failed to produce the power it committed to deliver within the agreed timeline. This prompted the agency to cancel several contracts with the firm and impose a <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2026/1/14/doe-fines-leviste-s-solar-philippines-p24-b-for-failed-commitments-1151">P24-billion penalty.</a></p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/15/energy-chief-says-action-vs-leviste-firm-not-related-to-cabral-files-1055">&#x27;It&#x27;s so unfair&#x27;: DOE chief says fine, contract termination vs Leviste firm unrelated to &#x27;Cabral files&#x27;</a></div><p>Leviste claimed on Wednesday that the company he founded “built” the “highest” renewable energy capacity in the country.</p><p>His statement did not directly address Garin’s claim, but the lawmaker said he would respond to the statement issued by government agencies “at the proper forum”.</p><p>“Iginagalang ko ang mga kawani ng gobyerno at tutugon ako sa kanilang mga pahayag sa tamang forum,” Leviste said.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/14/leviste-defends-firm-after-p24-b-fine-1520">Leviste defends firm after P24-B fine</a></div><p>“Ang kompanyang itinatag ko ay nakapagtayo ng pinakamalaking kapasidad ng renewable energy sa bansa at nakapagdala ng pinakamalaking foreign investment sa Pilipinas noong 2025. Kaunti ang namumuhunan sa ating bansa ngayon dahil sa pananaw na ginigipit ang mga negosyante,” he said.</p><p>“Wala akong nakuhang kahit piso mula sa gobyerno. Ang aking pera ay nagmula sa pribadong negosyo,” Leviste added.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/15/leviste-confirms-seeking-meeting-with-lacson-denies-crying-to-mom-1833">Leviste confirms seeking meeting with Lacson, denies &#x27;crying&#x27; to mom</a></div>

<p>Batangas First District Rep. Leandro Leviste filed Friday a libel complaint against Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro over her remarks on a solar energy company founded by the lawmaker.</p>

Batangas First District Rep. Leandro Leviste filed Friday a libel complaint against Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro over her remarks on a solar energy company founded by the lawmaker.

Leviste files libel complaint vs Palace’s Castro

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Leviste files libel complaint vs Palace’s Castro

Vivienne Gulla,

ABS-CBN News

Published Jan 16, 2026 10:04 AM PHT

|

Updated Jan 16, 2026 10:53 AM PHT

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Leviste

Leandro Leviste

Palace

Claire Castro

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DOE

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