Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste dismissed the complaint filed by Energy Secretary Sharon Garin against him and Solar Para sa Bayan, labeling the legal move as “super duper hina” or incredibly weak.

Leviste maintained that the allegations regarding violations of the Public Service Act lack merit based on reports circulating in the media. 

The lawmaker further warned that the case sets a dangerous precedent, potentially opening the door for future administrations to file nuisance complaints against directors of major public utilities and media conglomerates.

“I would also like to point out: This sets a precedent for future administrations to file nuisance complaints against officers and directors of public utilities in the Philippines—including ABS-CBN, GMA, TV5 and Philippine Star.” Representative Leviste said in his statement.

Leviste linked the timing of the complaint to his recent call for a legislative inquiry into the alleged connections between high-ranking officials and local contractors. 

“Sabay pa ito sa resolution ni Recto at sa panawagan kong imbestigahan ang koneksiyon ni Recto kay Gardiola, pati ang kanilang mga koneksiyon sa Batangas DPWH contractors at STL operator Refresh Gaming Corporation.” The young lawmaker stressed out.

Despite claims that the legal action was orchestrated by political rivals, the freshman representative vowed to push forward with his investigation.

“Itinutuloy ko ito kahit may nagsabi sa akin na si Recto umano ang nag-uutos kay Garin. Malapit nang matapos ang panahon ni Recto, pero hindi dapat matapos ang pagsusuri ng koneksiyon niya kay Gardiola.” Representative Leviste said.

Leviste’s legal counsel, Atty. Ruy Rondain, is expected to handle the specifics of the case as the lawmaker prepares to release a more detailed formal statement on the matter.

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