Senator Legarda says allegations vs. her, son Leandro over solar project 'false and baseless'

The Office of the Ombudsman is conducting a preliminary investigation into Senator Loren Legarda and her son, Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste, over uncompleted solar energy projects that allegedly resulted in ₱10.44 billion in unpaid government obligations.

In a press conference on Friday, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla revealed that the probe covers potential violations of the Anti-Plunder Law, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and strict prohibitions against conflict of interest to determine if there is probable cause to file formal criminal charges.

Remulla alleged that the Levistes failed to implement solar projects promised under the Philippine Energy Plan, opting instead to sell off rights for profit.

"We studied this thoroughly because it is a very novel case," Remulla said. "Binenta lang, kumita lang ng pera pero hindi nila ginawa. Kung meron silang ginawa, kakaunti... hindi kagaya ng pinangako nila. (They just sold it and made money, but they didn't actually do the work. If they did anything at all, it was a mere pittance compared to what they promised.)"

He added that the failure disrupted national power planning, saying the country's energy sector "truly suffered" because the Department of Energy relies on strict power generation projections.

The investigation follows a complaint filed by the Department of Energy on May 6 against Leviste and officials of Solar Para Sa Bayan Corporation for failing to install renewable energy microgrids despite being granted a 25-year legislative franchise.

Legarda Denies Allegations

In a press statement, Senator Legarda categorically denied the accusations, calling them "utterly false and baseless."

"All my public life since 1998, I have always upheld my integrity, which I value dearly. This baseless allegation is a smear on my person that is totally undeserved," Legarda said, noting that her office has yet to receive formal communication from the Ombudsman.

She emphasized that no public funds were involved and expressed confidence that her name would be cleared once the facts are laid bare. "We urge the public to be discerning, especially in light of the timing and nature of these allegations," she added.

Gardiola Facing Non-Bailable Graft Charges

In the same briefing, Remulla announced that non-bailable criminal charges for multiple counts of malversation are also being prepared against Construction Workers Solidarity Party-list Rep. Edwin Gardiola.

Remulla accused Gardiola of violating Section 3(h) of Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), which prohibits public officials from holding financial interests in contracts influenced by their official capacity.

"He engaged in self-dealing within Congress, and he performed work that a congressman should never be doing—a 'cong-tractor,' as they say. It is a clear conflict of interest," Remulla said.