Leandro Leviste faces arrest warrant over Public Service Act violation

A Makati court has issued an arrest warrant for Batangas Representative Leandro Leviste regarding an alleged violation of the Public Service Act. The warrant, signed by Presiding Judge Ricardo A. Moldez II, sets bail at P72,000.

While the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) previously suggested Leviste could be classified as a fugitive, the Department of Justice (DOJ) clarified that he is not yet considered a “fugitive from justice.” The DOJ stated that proper legal processes must be followed, including giving Leviste the opportunity to appear in court before such a designation is made. Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida noted that prosecutors will determine future legal measures, which could eventually include canceling travel privileges.

Leviste is currently abroad, having left the Philippines in August following the announcement of an Ombudsman investigation into his solar energy businesses. His spokesperson, lawyer Tony La Viña, stated that the congressman intends to return to the Philippines to personally attend his bail proceedings, describing the case as relatively minor with a small potential penalty.