By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) said Thursday that legal procedures must first be completed before Congressman Leandro Leviste can be formally declared a fugitive from justice over a warrant of arrest issued in connection with an alleged violation of the Public Services Act.
OIC Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Herbert Calvin Abugan stressed that the issuance of a warrant does not automatically make an accused a fugitive, saying the case must first undergo the required legal processes.
Abugan’s position differs from that of NBI Director Melvin Matibag, who said Leviste may already be considered a fugitive from justice because he has yet to surrender and appear before a Philippine court.
The DOJ said Leviste still has an opportunity to appear before the court during the proceedings, including his scheduled arraignment on October 26, 2026, before further steps are taken in the case.
Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said the prosecution would determine the appropriate next steps. He added that one measure that could be considered to ensure Leviste’s appearance in court is the cancellation of his passport.
The DOJ also clarified that the cancellation of Leviste’s travel authority falls under the jurisdiction of Congress, while the department may consider action involving his travel documents.
Vida likewise rejected Leviste’s characterization of the case as a minor matter, stressing that the congressman must face the case and respect the warrant of arrest issued by the court.
ia/xf
