Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon Garin has filed a complaint before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against Leandro Leviste and several officials of Solar Para Sa Bayan Corporation (SPSB) over the alleged failure to provide electricity services to remote and underserved communities despite holding a government franchise.

The DOE said SPSB failed to fulfill obligations under its 25-year nonexclusive franchise granted in 2019 during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte. The franchise authorized the company to develop solar-powered microgrids for remote and underserved areas nationwide.

According to Garin, the company allegedly failed to operationalize the project, secure required permits, and deliver electricity to intended beneficiaries seven years after receiving the franchise.

The complaint cited possible violations of the Revised Public Service Act, which carries penalties of up to P2 million in fines and imprisonment of up to 12 years.

The DOE also alleged that firms under Solar Philippines Power Project Holdings Inc., reportedly owned by Leviste, continued renewable energy operations for profit while SPSB allegedly failed to carry out its franchise commitments.

Earlier, the DOE imposed a P24-billion penalty against Solar Philippines Power Project Holdings Inc. for allegedly failing to deliver more than 11,000 megawatts of committed renewable energy capacity, while the Energy Regulatory Commission is also investigating SPSB over alleged excessive power charges in Occidental Mindoro.

As of writing, Leviste and the companies involved have yet to release an official statement regarding the complaint.