KASONG KRIMINAL INIHAIN LABAN KAY LEVISTE PLUS 24 BILYON MULTA. GHOST PROJECTS. #attybuenoexplains

In May 2026, Secretary Garin formally elevated a complaint to the Department of Justice (DOJ) against Leviste and directors of Solar Para Sa Bayan Corp. (SPSB). The DOE alleges that despite securing a 25-year legislative franchise in 2019 to provide electricity to underserved areas, the company has failed to operationalize a single project in nearly seven years. Key Allegations and Penalties "Ghost Projects": The DOE canceled 33 service contracts awarded to Leviste’s firms (representing approximately 11,400 MW of power) due to non-delivery. These are often referred to as "ghost projects" because they failed to reach even the groundbreaking stage. ₱24-Billion Fine: The DOE imposed a massive ₱24-billion penalty on Solar Philippines Power Project Holdings Inc. (SPPPHI) for failing to meet its commitments under the Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP). Franchise Flipping: Ombudsman Boying Remulla and Sec. Garin have scrutinized Leviste for "franchise flipping"—the act of acquiring a state-granted privilege (the franchise) and selling controlling interests (specifically to MGen/Meralco) for profit rather than using it for public service. Leviste’s Defense Political Harassment: Leviste has dismissed the complaint as "super duper weak" and a "nuisance," claiming it is a retaliatory move for his exposés on alleged corruption involving Executive Secretary Ralph Recto. Automatic Revocation: He argues that the franchise is already "ipso facto revoked" due to non-use, implying that there is no longer a privilege to "flip" or be held liable for. Corporate Distinction: He maintains that the multi-billion peso deals with Meralco involve separate corporate entities (like SPNEC) and not the specific company (SPSB) that holds the legislative franchise. The DOJ is currently evaluating whether the evidence is sufficient to conduct a formal preliminary investigation into the alleged violations of the Public Service Act. www.cisph.net