Makati court issues arrest warrant vs. Rep. Leandro Leviste

An arrest warrant was issued for Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Antonio Legarda Leviste over alleged violations of the Public Service Act.

The Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 235 of Makati City issued the warrant on October 5, docketed as Criminal Case No. R-MKT-26-02226-CR (A).

The warrant commands law enforcement officers to arrest the lawmaker—noted to be found at Paraiso, Calatagan, Batangas, or elsewhere—and bring him before the court to face charges under Section 25 of Commonwealth Act No. 146, as amended by Republic Act No. 11659 (the Public Service Act).

Bail for Leviste's temporary liberty has been fixed at ₱72,000.

The warrant explicitly directs officers executing the warrant to use at least one body-worn camera and one alternative recording device (or a minimum of two recording devices) in compliance with Supreme Court guidelines under A.M. No. 21-06-08-SC.

Leviste, who is currently in France, has been facing heightened scrutiny following investigations by the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Energy involving renewable energy contracts and solar project commitments linked to his business operations.

His camp has previously stated that he is in France accompanying his mother, Sen. Loren Legarda, who is undergoing medical treatment.