Spokesperson rejects plunder allegations against Legarda and Leviste

Atty. Antonio “Tony” La Viña, spokesperson for Senator Loren Legarda, has dismissed allegations of plunder and graft against the senator and her son, Representative Leandro Leviste, as “baseless” and “ridiculous.”

La Viña asserted that the renewable energy projects in question were privately funded and that no government funds were misappropriated. He urged the Office of the Ombudsman to carefully examine documentary and financial evidence, arguing that the failure of a project to proceed does not constitute criminal activity.

Addressing reports of multibillion-peso financial obligations, La Viña clarified that the amounts cited involve distinct corporate entities. He maintained that legitimate obligations against Leviste’s companies have been fully settled. He specifically urged the Department of Energy (DOE) to distinguish between SP New Energy Corporation (SPNEC)—which has been majority-controlled by Meralco’s MGen since 2024—and Solar Para sa Bayan Corporation or other Solar Philippines companies, stating that the debts of one entity should not be attributed to another.