UMVA has learned that a high-stakes complaint has been filed against a prominent businessman and politician, Leandro Antonio L. Leviste, and his company, for allegedly reneging on a major solar project commitment in Mindanao under the government's green energy auction program.
The complaint, which spans 55 pages, alleges that Solar Philippines Commercial Rooftop Projects, Inc. and its affiliates failed to meet their obligations tied to the General Santos Solar Power Project, a venture that was supposed to deliver 120 megawatts of capacity to the Mindanao grid by December 25, 2025.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the project's failure to materialize has not only affected the company's reputation but also hindered efforts to expand renewable energy capacity and strengthen the country's energy security, ultimately allowing the project to fail on the delivery commencement date.
The agency behind the complaint is seeking at least P1.185 billion in damages, equivalent to the value of the project's performance bond, which was meant to guarantee completion of the facility but has already expired, and is arguing that the defendants' liabilities arising from breach of contract remain intact despite the bond's expiration.
UMVA has gathered that the company at the center of the controversy, SPCRPI, assigned the project to Solar Philippines Southern Mindanao Corp., which is owned by Solar Philippines Power Project Holdings, Inc., a company founded by Mr. Leviste, and the agency is also seeking to hold Mr. Leviste personally liable, alleging that he exercises direct control over the companies involved in the project.
The complaint's allegations have significant implications, and if proven, could have far-reaching consequences for the company and its founder, highlighting the importance of accountability in the pursuit of renewable energy goals and the need for transparency in the industry.
