LEVISTE UNDER FIRE: DOE Slaps Solar Firm with P24-B Fine Amid "Ghost Project" Allegations

 

Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste is facing a mounting political and legal storm. Government agencies and fellow lawmakers are currently demanding answers regarding billions of pesos in reported fines and allegations of "ghost projects" tied to his energy business.

The P24-Billion Penalty

The Department of Energy (DOE) has officially moved to collect a reported P24 billion in penalties from Solar Philippines, a company founded and owned (99% share) by Leviste. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin confirmed in a recent interview that the government has terminated 32 service contracts after the firm allegedly failed to produce a single megawatt of power, despite holding some contracts for over five years.

According to Secretary Garin, these projects were described as "zombie contracts"—existing on paper to secure land and energy slots, but reportedly failing to follow work plans, renew performance bonds, or show visible progress on the ground.

Allegations of "Flipping"

The DOE described a pattern it calls "flipping," where an investor secures a government contract or privilege just to sit on it and wait for a chance to sell it to a developer for a profit. Secretary Garin noted that "hijacking" these energy slots without building anything reportedly sabotages the Philippine Energy Plan, which could lead to thinner power supplies and higher electricity rates for consumers.

Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong recently compared these failures to "ghost projects," stating that securing a state-granted authority and then abandoning obligations could be viewed as no different from walking away from a project after receiving funds.

Netizen Sentiment

Filipinos on social media have been vocal regarding the issue, comparing Leviste’s influence in the energy sector to other controversial infrastructure figures. A sentiment trending online states:

“If Zaldy Co is the Flood Control King, then Leviste is the Electricity King (Kuryente King).” In local slang, "Kuryente" refers both to electricity and to being "shocked" by false information or broken promises.

Leviste’s Defense

Leviste has previously framed the DOE’s actions as "political persecution" linked to his exposure of the "Cabral Files"—documents detailing alleged corruption in DPWH flood control projects. However, Secretary Garin clarified that the DOE’s investigations into his firm began long before these revelations were made public.

While Leviste maintains that his business dealings are legitimate and has recently filed libel suits against his accusers, the DOE has referred the matter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Office of the Solicitor General to pursue the collection of the P24 billion in fines.

Reference Details: Video Title: Malusutan kaya ni Cong. Leandro Leviste ang DOE? YouTube Channel: Christian Esguerra (Facts First Podcast) Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/zqc5v-Mzg9E