The Office of the Ombudsman has opened a preliminary investigation into Senator Loren Legarda and her son, Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste, over allegations of plunder and graft tied to exclusive solar energy contracts that allegedly cost the government billions of pesos.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla announced Friday, July 31, that former Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi and several other individuals were also included in the charge sheet.
At a press briefing at the Ombudsman’s central office, Remulla accused Leviste’s company of failing to deliver on its commitment to produce electricity, resulting in what he described as “ghost electricity” and losses amounting to “hundreds of billions” of pesos.
“Dito ghost electricity. Pangako nila, magpo-produce sila ng kuryente… pero hindi nila ginawa,” he said, adding that the contracts under scrutiny were worth at least ₱10 billion.
“Mabigat na kaso kasi ’yung kanilang pagkahawak ng eksklusibo sa solar ay nagdulot ng pinsala sa Republika. Malinaw na labag sa batas,” Remulla declared.
He further alleged that the Filipino people suffered substantial losses because Leviste’s so-called “solar empire” was eventually sold instead of delivering electricity projects.
“Parang sila ang naging nagmamay-ari ng araw, to the exclusion of other Filipinos and investors,” Remulla said.
He argued that the exclusive service contracts prevented other players from entering the solar energy sector, stifling competition and innovation.
The Ombudsman also claimed that Legarda used her position as then chairperson of the Senate Finance Committee to help her son secure the exclusive franchise.
“Hindi makukuha ng 21-year-old Leandro ’yung prangkisa kung hindi tinulungan ng nanay niya… at ginamit niya ang kanyang posisyon,” Remulla alleged. # (RRN)
