by Pia Javier
Batangas 1st Dristrict Representative Leandro Leviste, CEO of Solar Philippines, has recently turned his sights on government contractors accused of flood control scams, calling out delays and non-delivery in public statements. Yet, as a major player in the energy sector with his own trail of unfulfilled government contracts, Leviste’s critique raises eyebrows. With nearly 10,000 MW in Department of Energy (DOE) commitments but only 2% (174.41 MW) delivered—and over ₱18 billion realized by monetizing those “paper assets”—his position invites scrutiny. This exposé uncovers the facts behind Solar Philippines’ story, the political context, and the risks to the nation’s power supply.
The Scale of Commitments vs. Reality
DOE records show Solar Philippines and affiliates secured 42 Renewable Energy Service Contracts (RESCs)—the largest allocation to any private group—totaling around 10,000 MW. Actual output? Just 174.41 MW from projects like the 63 MW Calatagan Solar Farm, 100 MW in Tarlac, and minor rooftop systems.
Now, 21 contracts face termination proceedings due to lapsed timelines (2017–2021) and zero construction progress on several Green Energy Auction (GEA) projects. In GEA-1, Solar won ~1.35 GW solar plus 30 MW wind, but many remain unstarted, with one project canceled and another lacking a commerciality declaration.
Despite this, public filings reveal SPNEC (bundling Solar’s contracts, land banks, and project shells) sold 14.61 billion shares to the Meralco/MVP group for ₱18.26 billion—value largely tied to unbuilt capacity.
A Question of Influence and Timing
These deals unfolded during years when RE laws, incentives, and DOE frameworks expanded. Leviste’s mother, Loren Legarda, held key legislative roles in environment, climate, and budgeting committees. The alignment of massive allocations with this influence merits independent review, as noted in congressional records.
Exploiting Structural Loopholes
The RE system permits developers to secure contracts, delay delivery without swift penalties, transfer assets to listed entities, and sell stakes at premiums. This enabled Solar’s windfall, even as projects stalled—exposing vulnerabilities in oversight.
Risks to the National Power Outlook
Non-delivery ripples through the grid:
Supply Gaps: The Power and Energy Plan (2020–2040) assumes full commitment realization; shortfalls loom for Luzon in 2026–2027, misaligning NGCP transmission (PEP data, NGCP studies).
Rising Costs: Lost cheap solar (₱3.5–₱4/kWh) shifts reliance to fossils (₱7–₱14/kWh), hiking WESM and generation charges (GEA tariffs, Meralco data).
Brownout Threats: Frequent alerts, industrial losses, and household disruptions (NGCP/DOE logs).
Delayed Transition: Eroded RE targets undermine climate goals and investor confidence.
Calls for Verification and Reform
Independent watchdogs should press DOE on the status of those 42 RESCs, GEA-1/2 updates, and how much capacity has been scrubbed from the power outlook. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) faces questions about safeguards for power supply agreements tied to unbuilt projects and their monitoring protocols. Meralco and MGreen must explain their due diligence on SPNEC, how they valued largely unbuilt assets, and SPNEC’s role in the 2026–2030 supply mix. NGCP should clarify which transmission lines hinge on Solar’s stalled projects and what contingency plans exist for delays. Congress, meanwhile, needs to tackle whether political family ties should bar access to government energy contracts, demand stricter performance bonds, and fortify the GEA program against speculative players.
Ordinary Filipinos bear the cost: higher bills, unreliable power, and a stalled green shift. Leviste’s spotlight on other sectors’ failings underscores the need for consistent accountability—starting at home.
