Leviste’s Extensive Overseas Trip Raises Questions of Political Pressure and Business Scrutiny
A planned six-month journey to 19 countries by Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste is fueling speculation about potential political maneuvering and a preemptive response to intensifying scrutiny of his business dealings. The request for travel clearance, exceeding even that of Davao City Representative Paolo Duterte last year, comes as Leviste faces investigation and continues to challenge the status quo within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The unusual scope of the travel request – covering February through July, including periods when Congress is in session – has drawn attention to the motivations behind the trip. Leviste, known for providing lengthy and indirect responses to press inquiries, offered a complex explanation Friday night, January 30, via Viber.
“I asked for the travel authority upon the request of representatives of the administration who asked that I go abroad and stop releasing evidence linking government officials to anomalous DPWH projects, but this does not mean that I will be abroad for that whole time. I will be present at any opportunity that Congress gives me to speak on any issue, as long as I am asked or allowed,” Leviste stated. He declined to identify the “high-level” officials involved, explaining they made the request through his mother, Senator Loren Legarda, to maintain anonymity.
This statement has sparked debate: is Leviste being compelled to leave the country, or is this a strategic move by the relatively new lawmaker? The itinerary, as reported by Politiko, includes planned stops in China, the US, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and The Netherlands – the latter being the location where former President Rodrigo Duterte is currently residing in The Hague.
When asked about a potential meeting with the former president, Leviste stated, “I plan to visit the Filipino community in countries with significant Filipino communities (not in any one particular country, as you can see there’s several listed countries).”
Leviste has become a controversial figure in Philippine politics through his vocal criticism of the DPWH and the publication of the “Cabral files,” a dataset purportedly revealing a complex formula for allocating DPWH funds to legislative districts – described by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism as automatic “pork” for congressmen. However, critics also point to potential issues surrounding his company, Solar Philippines.
Ombudsman Boying Remulla has confirmed that Leviste is under investigation for allegedly “selling” the franchise of his solar energy business to tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan without proper congressional approval. The investigation centers on the sale of SP New Energy Corporation (SPNEC), though Solar Philippines Power Project Holdings (SPPPHI), still retains 27% ownership, and Leviste remains president and CEO of the holding company. Solar Para sa Bayan Corporation (SPBC), which originally held the franchise, ceased operations in 2022.
The timing of Leviste’s planned trip is particularly noteworthy, coinciding with the impending opening of a House investigation into his businesses. Observers are left to question whether the travel request is a direct result of his outspokenness regarding alleged corruption, or a response to increased scrutiny of his enterprises. The situation presents a complex interplay of political pressure, business interests, and potential legal challenges, leaving the full implications of Leviste’s journey yet to be seen.
