The Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 235 has issued an arrest warrant against Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste over an alleged violation of the Public Service Act.
The warrant, issued Oct. 5, directs law enforcement officers to arrest Leviste and bring him before the court. Bail was set at ₱72,000.
The National Bureau of Investigation has received the warrant. NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the agency will coordinate with the Bureau of Immigration to determine and confirm Leviste’s whereabouts.
Leviste remains at large after leaving the Philippines in August with his mother, Sen. Loren Legarda. Reports said the two were in France.
The NBI may also coordinate with the Department of Justice and Department of Foreign Affairs regarding the possible cancellation of Leviste’s passport. It may also ask the House of Representatives to cancel his travel authority.
The case stemmed from a complaint filed by the Department of Energy against Leviste and five other Solar Para sa Bayan Corp. officials. Leviste was identified as the company’s chairman and president.
The company was granted a 25-year legislative franchise to establish renewable energy microgrids in remote and underserved areas. The DOE alleged that the company failed to fulfill its obligations under the franchise.
The case involves an alleged violation of Section 25 of Commonwealth Act No. 146, as amended by Republic Act No. 11659, or the Public Service Act.
Following the release of the warrant, Leviste thanked his supporters and said, “Huwag niyo akong alalahanin, maliit na bagay lang ito kumpara sa ibang nangyayari. Kayo ang inaalala ko.”
