DOE submits additional estafa complaint against Rep. Leviste and SPBC officials

The Department of Energy, led by Secretary Sharon Garin, has submitted a supplemental estafa complaint against Representative Leandro Leviste and two Solar Para sa Bayan Corp. executives, Hazel Iris Lafuente and Irma Flaminiano, to the Taguig City Prosecutor’s Office. The new filing adds evidence that SPBC did not fulfill its awarded capacity by December 2025 and failed to keep the performance security required for the inaugural Green Energy Auction.

DOE legal officer Atty. Gabriel Corpuz confirmed the filing but said the prosecutor’s office is still investigating and will not provide a copy of the complaint. This move builds on an earlier DOJ complaint that alleged SPBC lacked any permits or approvals needed to meet its obligations under its franchise. Leviste dismissed the allegations as weak, while the Ombudsman continues a separate graft investigation involving him and his mother, Senator Loren Legarda, over the firm’s alleged non-performance.