MANILA, Philippines — The camp of Senator Loren Legarda and her son, Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste, has strongly pushed back against the Office of the Ombudsman’s investigation into alleged irregularities involving more than P10 billion in solar energy projects, calling the case “political persecution” and “classic lawfare.”
Lawyer and environmental advocate Tony La Viña, who has become Legarda’s spokesperson, said the senator and her son have committed no illegal or improper acts in connection with Leviste’s solar energy businesses.
The allegations come as the Office of the Ombudsman continues its preliminary investigation into plunder and graft complaints involving Legarda and Leviste. Importantly, both remain under investigation and no court has found either of them guilty of any crime.
‘Classic Lawfare’ or Legitimate Investigation?
La Viña described the complaints as the alleged weaponization of the legal system for political purposes.
According to Legarda’s camp, the investigation may be connected to Leviste’s public criticism of government corruption beginning in late 2025. The camp argues that the timing and circumstances surrounding the complaints raise serious questions about whether politics is influencing the case.
La Viña also defended the veteran senator against allegations linking her to her son’s solar companies, arguing that Legarda does not own, operate or participate in Solar Para sa Bayan Corp. or other Solar Philippines-related businesses.
The camp further stressed that Legarda did not receive government funds connected to the company and did not vote for the law granting its non-exclusive congressional franchise. It argued that a family relationship alone does not establish criminal liability or prove that the senator benefited from her son’s business activities.
What Is the P10-B Solar Case About?
The Office of the Ombudsman has been investigating allegations involving more than P10 billion in solar energy projects and contracts linked to companies allegedly connected to Leviste and Legarda.
Earlier reports said the complaints centered on allegations involving the failure to deliver solar power and questions surrounding renewable energy contracts and the implementation of solar projects. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla previously alleged that exclusive solar contracts had been obtained while promised electricity was allegedly not fully delivered, an allegation strongly disputed by the Legarda camp.
The case has since become one of the most closely watched investigations involving renewable energy, politics and alleged government corruption.
Legarda and Leviste Submit Their Counter-Affidavits
Despite the increasingly heated public battle, Legarda and Leviste have submitted counter-affidavits in response to the complaints, according to Remulla.
The Ombudsman said the submissions would still be considered even if they were filed late. However, the anti-graft body has indicated that the continued absence of Legarda and Leviste could complicate parts of the preliminary investigation if prosecutors need to ask them additional questions.
Legarda has been on medical leave since August, while previous reports also noted questions raised by the Ombudsman regarding Leviste’s overseas travel. Their camp has maintained that the circumstances surrounding the senator’s absence are legitimate and should not be treated as evidence of wrongdoing.
Ombudsman Previously Called Them Among the ‘Big Fish’
The political temperature surrounding the case rose further after Remulla identified Legarda and Leviste among the prominent personalities still being investigated by his office.
Philstar.com reported that the Ombudsman referred to the pair as among the “big fish” in the broader solar energy investigation, which involves alleged anomalies worth approximately P10.44 billion.
That characterization has fueled the Legarda camp’s argument that the investigation is being publicly framed in a manner that could prejudice the respondents before the preliminary investigation is completed.
Renewable Energy Concerns Raised
La Viña, an environmental lawyer and climate advocate, also warned that the government’s approach to investigating renewable energy service contracts could have wider consequences for the country’s clean energy sector.
He argued that disputes involving unfulfilled or problematic renewable energy projects should be carefully examined without automatically discouraging legitimate investors and companies from participating in the sector.
The Philippines has been working to expand renewable energy capacity as electricity demand continues to grow, making the outcome of the case significant beyond the political controversy surrounding Legarda and her son.
What Happens Next?
For now, the case remains at the preliminary investigation stage.
The Office of the Ombudsman will evaluate the complaints, the evidence presented by the complainants and the counter-affidavits submitted by Legarda and Leviste before determining whether there is sufficient basis to file formal charges.
Legarda’s camp insists the allegations are politically motivated and maintains that neither the senator nor her son committed wrongdoing. The Ombudsman, meanwhile, continues to investigate the alleged P10-billion-plus solar project anomalies.
The biggest question now is whether the evidence will support the filing of formal charges—or whether the Legarda camp’s claim of “political persecution” will gain more traction as the investigation unfolds.
One thing is certain: the battle over the P10-billion solar controversy is far from over, and what happens next could have major consequences for Philippine politics, the renewable energy industry and the fight against corruption.
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