National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Atty. Melvin Matibag clarified that Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste has not posted bail in connection with the alleged violation of the Public Service Act.
Matibag said Leviste’s co-accused, Hazel Iris Lafuente Buencamino and Irma Flaminiano, were the ones who posted ₱72,000 cash bonds each.
“There was a raw information na nag-bail, but apparently there are three accused. There were two accused na ni Cong. Leviste. Yung dalawa yung nakapag-post ng cash bond,” Matibag said.
According to Matibag, Leviste must personally appear before the local court before it can acquire jurisdiction over him. The congressman remains abroad.
“Until such time na voluntary, pag-surrender siya or ma-arresto siya ng law enforcement,” Matibag said.
He added that Leviste is currently considered “at large” and described him as a “fugitive from justice” because an arrest warrant has already been issued against him.
“Well, consider your fugitive from justice kasi hinahanap ka ng korte, may warrant to arrest na,” Matibag said.
Leviste’s arraignment is scheduled for October 26.
The Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 235 earlier issued an arrest warrant against Leviste over the alleged violation of the Public Service Act.
