DOJ: Rep. Leviste must return to PH, surrender to court to post bail

Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste must return to the Philippines and personally submit to the jurisdiction of the court before he can post bail, Justice Secretary Frederick Vida emphasized on Wednesday.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) chief issued the statement following the issuance of an arrest warrant against the lawmaker by a Makati Regional Trial Court over an alleged violation of the Public Service Act.

“He needs to submit to the jurisdiction of the court. So, kailangan niya umuwi [he needs to return home],” Vida said in an interview, stressing that compliance with judicial orders is essential to uphold the authority of the justice system.

Vida clarified that Leviste cannot post bail while abroad, even through Philippine embassies. Bail for the lawmaker has been fixed at ₱72,000. Meanwhile, two of Leviste’s co-accused have already posted bail, according to the DOJ.

Leviste is currently in France assisting his mother, Sen. Loren Legarda, who has been on medical leave. His legal counsel, Tony La Viña, confirmed on Sept. 25 that the congressman traveled abroad for this reason.

Reacting to the developments, Leviste addressed the matter in a Facebook post on Wednesday, questioning comments made by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag regarding the case.

“Sinabi ni Matibag na maliit lang naman ang ₱72K na piyansa. Ano kaya ang dahilan kung bakit ginawang prioridad ng NBI Director na magsalita tungkol dito?” Leviste wrote.

(“Matibag said the ₱72K bail is a small amount. I wonder why the NBI Director made speaking about this a priority?”)

“Salamat sa lahat ng sumusuporta. Huwag niyo akong alalahanin, maliit na bagay lang ito kumpara sa ibang nangyayari. Kayo ang inaalala ko,” he added, reassuring his supporters.

DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez reiterated the government’s firm stance, stating that Leviste must physically surrender to the court before any bail petition can be processed.

-Paraluman News