Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that Batangas Representative Leandro Leviste should post bail, face regulatory charges, and prove his innocence following an arrest warrant issued against him by a Makati court.
Castro made the statement during a press briefing in Singapore after the Regional Trial Court in Makati City issued warrant proceedings against Leviste, Hazel Iris Lafuente Buencamino, and Irma Flaminiano for alleged violations of Section 25 of the Public Service Act.
The charges stem from a complaint filed on September 29 involving the incorporators and corporate officers of Solar Para Sa Bayan Corporation, with the court fixing bail at P72,000.
Castro noted that the offense is bailable and urged Leviste to address the court proceedings directly rather than staying abroad.
”Siguro mas maganda po talaga kay Congressman Leviste at sinasabi naman niya na siya ay walang pagkakasala. So mas maganda po na talagang harapin ni Congressman Leviste,” Castro said.
The Palace official pointed out that Leviste retains public support and that returning to respond to the legal process would reflect leadership integrity.
” Dito niya mapapatunayan na isa siyang magiting na leader kapag hinarap niya ito mismo,” Castro also said.
Castro added that presenting evidence before the court remains the proper venue for the lawmaker to defend his record and refute the allegations.