Lawmaker slams Leviste for ‘ghost’ solar projectsMANILA, Philippines — From alleging that lawmakers involved in ghost projects, Batangas 1st district Rep. Leandro Leviste has seemingly found himself in the middle of one. Leviste is currently under fire for his Solar Philippine Power Project Holdings Inc. (SPPPHI) company, which he sold after being granted a 25-year franchise by Congress. Leviste, son of incumbent Sen. Loren Legarda, admitted owning SPPPHI during an interview with “On Point” on Bilyonaryo News Channel. Leviste filed a civil libel complaint against Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro, accusing her of spreading false claims that he illegally sold the franchise of SPBC. Leviste, however, rejected the claim, saying the projects could not move forward because they were not issued permits to proceed.

Source: Philippine Star January 18, 2026 16:09 UTC