Arrest Warrant Issued For BATANGAS REP. LEVISTE in Public Service Act Violation 

Arrest Warrant Issued For BATANGAS REP. LEVISTE in Public Service Act Violation 

By TheNATIONWEEK.com News Desk | October 9, 2026

MAKATI CITY, Philippines – The Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 235 has issued an arrest warrant for Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Antonio Leviste, stemming from charges of violating the Public Service Act. The warrant, dated October 5, 2026, and signed by Judge Ricardo A. Moldez II, sets bail at ₱72,000.

The charge, a violation of Section 25 of Commonwealth Act No. 146 as amended by Republic Act No. 11659, originates from a Department of Justice (DOJ) complaint filed on September 29, 2026. This complaint follows Department of Energy (DOE) allegations that Solar Para Sa Bayan Corporation (SPSBC), headed by Leviste, deliberately failed to provide electricity to designated remote and underserved areas as mandated by its legislative franchise.

Fugitive Status and International Pursuit

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag confirmed that Leviste is considered “at large” and a “fugitive from justice.” Leviste has been abroad since August 2, 2026, reportedly in France or Germany. While his co-accused, SPSBC officials Hazel Iris Lafuente Buencamino and Irma Flaminiano, have posted bail, Leviste is required to personally appear in court to secure his own release.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced that authorities are moving to seek an Interpol Red Notice against Leviste to facilitate his apprehension. DOJ Secretary Fredderick Vida emphasized that Leviste must personally return to the Philippines and surrender to authorities to post bail, rather than attempting to do so through an embassy or representative.

Defense Maintains Harassment Claims

Leviste’s spokesperson, Atty. Tony La Viña, has consistently characterized the charges as a form of harassment. La Viña argues that the Public Service Act is inapplicable to SPSBC because it is not a public utility, and its franchise was revoked ipso facto. Despite the legal proceedings, Leviste’s camp has stated his intention to eventually post bail, urging supporters not to be concerned.

Background of the Allegations

The information filed by the DOJ indicates a finding of prima facie evidence suggesting that SPSBC intentionally neglected its obligations under its legislative franchise. The law stipulates that individuals who cause any public service corporation or company to fail in its contractual obligations may face substantial fines and imprisonment.

In May, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin filed a complaint against SPSBC with the DOJ, asserting the company’s “neglect and failure” to fulfill its commitment to provide reliable power. Garin’s complaint highlighted that SPSBC had no operational projects when granted its franchise in 2019, yet simultaneously established and profited from renewable energy projects through other entities under Solar Philippines Power Project Holdings Inc. (SPPPHI), a company 100% owned by Leviste.

Earlier in January, the DOE imposed a ₱24-billion penalty on SPPPHI for failing to deliver committed power under over 30 government service contracts. The DOE has since terminated 163 projects due to non-compliance with agreed timelines, with 64% of these managed by SPPPHI. These terminated projects include some secured under the Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP), aimed at accelerating renewable energy development to meet the Marcos administration’s target of a 35% renewable energy share by 2030.

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