The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday clarified that Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste is not yet considered a fugitive.

During a press conference, Officer-in-Charge and Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Herbert Abugan explained that a process must be undergone before an individual facing charges can be identified as a fugitive, reported RH 9 Tina Nolasco.

“As of now, not yet. There’s a process that needs to be followed before we can declare him a fugitive from justice,” Abugan told reporters today.

Abugan emphasized that the court has still given Leviste a chance to personally appear for his arraignment.

“Also, the court will give him an opportunity to appear before it, at the scheduled hearing. And, until then, we will see the next steps that we can do,” he said.

On Wednesday, the Palace called on Leviste to return to the Philippines and face his Public Service Act case in connection with alleged deceptions to secure solar and wind energy awards he had no intention of developing.

Leviste is currently in France with his mother, Senator Loren Legarda, according to reports.