Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste on Friday filed a P110-million libel case against Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro over statements she made about his solar business.

Leviste personally appeared at the Balayan Regional Trial Court to submit the complaint, emphasizing that the company he sold did not hold any government franchise, contrary to claims made by Castro.

“Hindi ko po binenta ang prangkisa dahil wala akong kumpanyang may prangkisa na binenta ko,” Leviste said.

“Ang binenta kong kumpanya ay walang prangkisa at hindi ko naman pong nais na masaktan si sec. Claire Castro, ngunit kailangan ko lamang pong depensahan ang aking pangalan.”

Leviste’s lawyer, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, clarified that the case is civil in nature and not cyber libel. He explained that under the Civil Code, anyone who causes injury to another is liable for damages, regardless of the medium of the statement.

“Hindi po nais ipakulong si Usec Claire Castro, ngunit gusto namin siyang panagutin… to vindicate yung good name and reputation of my client na sinira po niya with malice,” Topacio said.

Topacio added that while freedom of expression is a constitutional right, it is not absolute, particularly when statements are “targeted attacks” against a public official for performing his duties.

He cited Leviste’s criticism of government corruption as a potential motive behind Castro’s statements.

Leviste emphasized that his action is not personal and that he does not intend to harm the administration.

“Ayoko pong masaktan si Usec Claire Castro at hindi ko po rin kaaway ang administrasyon,” he said. “Sila po ay nagpahayag tungkol sa akin kaya ngayon po ako ay sumasagot.”

The lawmaker said he opted for a civil suit first to seek damages rather than a criminal case, noting that he believes his legal team has a strong case.