Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen) clarified that it is not connected to the ₱24-billion penalty imposed by the Department of Energy (DOE) on Solar Philippines over the cancellation of renewable energy service contracts.

In a statement, MGen stressed that SP New Energy Corp. (SPNEC), which it acquired, is not liable for the penalty arising from the termination of 33 renewable energy contracts, despite both SPNEC and Solar Philippines having been founded by Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste.

The Pangilinan Group said only one project under the terminated contracts falls under SPNEC.

“Of the 12,000 MW worth of contracts that have been terminated, only one for the 280 MW Sta. Rosa project is under SPNEC. The former management of the Sta. Rosa project offered and was awarded 280 MW in the first round of the Green Energy Auction Program of the DOE,” the company said.

MGen added that the Sta. Rosa solar project had "already filed a notice of force majeure with the DOE last year citing reasons beyond its control preventing it from completing the project by its target of December 2025."

The company earlier also denied claims that it acquired shares from Leviste’s Solar Para sa Bayan, noting that such a transaction would have required prior congressional approval because of the firm’s legislative franchise.

The DOE recently penalized Solar Philippines for failing to deliver on its commitment to develop nearly 12 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity. However, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin clarified that the issue was not related to the so-called “Cabral files” or any political controversy.

Separately, MGen reiterated that it did not acquire shares in the solar company owned by Leviste that was granted a 25-year congressional franchise.

The clarification followed statements by Ombudsman Samuel “Boying” Remulla, who told DZRH that authorities are investigating allegations that Leviste may have flipped or sold his congressional franchise without congressional approval.