Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste on Friday filed a libel complaint against Palace Press Office official Claire Castro, citing allegedly damaging statements related to the franchise issue involving his solar energy company.
Leviste lodged the complaint at the Balayan Regional Trial Court, accompanied by his lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio. The congressman is seeking P110 million in damages.
The complaint stems from remarks made by Castro in connection with questions surrounding the franchise status of Leviste’s firm, Solar Philippines. Leviste denied allegations that he sold a franchise, saying his company does not hold one in the first place.
He said he did not intend to cause harm to Castro but decided to take legal action to defend his name, citing what he described as a series of vlog posts made by the Palace official. Leviste also stressed that he is not an opponent of the current administration.
Topacio said that while freedom of expression is protected, it is not absolute, and individuals may still be held accountable for statements that allegedly cause harm.
Leviste’s camp also described the statements as a “targeted attack,” linking them to his position as a critic of the administration.
The libel case comes as the Office of the Ombudsman continues its investigation into a possible franchise violation involving the sale of Solar Philippines.
Separately, the Department of Energy has moved to impose a P24 billion fine on the company and is seeking the termination of more than 30 contracts.
No comment from Castro was immediately available as of publication.
