By el Amigo
MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman has opened an investigation into Senator Loren Legarda and her son, Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, over allegations of plunder and graft tied to an estimated P10-billion renewable energy project.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said the probe stems from allegations that Leviste’s company failed to fulfill its commitment to deliver solar power services under its congressional franchise.
Remulla criticized what he described as “ghost electricity,” claiming the company secured exclusive solar power contracts but failed to provide the promised services.
“Talagang nag-suffer tayo dahil sa ginawa. Kinuha nila ‘yung exclusive contract ng solar. This is ghost electricity,” Remulla said.
He further alleged that while commitments were made to develop the projects, only minimal work, if any, was completed.
“Ipinangako nila, binenta, hindi nila ginawa. Kung may ginawa, kakaunti,” he added.
Asked about Legarda’s alleged involvement, Remulla said investigators are looking into claims that Leviste obtained the franchise in 2019 with the assistance of his mother, who was then chair of the Senate Committee on Finance.
The investigation follows a complaint earlier filed by the Department of Energy (DOE) before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against Leviste and five officials of Solar Para sa Bayan Corporation for alleged violations of the Public Service Act.
According to the DOE, the company failed to construct and operate power facilities intended to supply electricity to remote, unserved, underserved, and economically unviable communities, despite the franchise granted under Republic Act No. 11357.
As of posting time, neither Legarda nor
has issued a statement.
elamigo/xf
