Solar Para Sa Bayan? More Like Solar Para Sa Bulsa

Leviste’s Solar Empire: Franchise First, Compliance Optional

By Louis “Barok” C. Biraogo — February 7, 2026

THE promise of renewable energy has collided with hypocrisy in the Philippines’ latest power scandal. Solar Para Sa Bayan Corporation (SPSB), founded by Batangas Representative Leandro Leviste, faces penalties of up to ₱150 million from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). Residents in a remote town allegedly paid exorbitant rates for electricity that may have operated without proper authorization (Philippine Daily Inquirer, 5 Feb. 2026).

This case exposes flaws in regulation, politics, and accountability.

***“Promising sun, delivering sona—Statements Of Nonexistent Approval.”***

The Legal Violations

Philippine law demands strict compliance in the electricity sector. Under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA, Republic Act No. 9136), generation companies must secure a Certificate of Compliance (COC) before operating (Section 6). Retail rates require prior ERC approval (Section 29). SPSB allegedly began operations in Paluan, Occidental Mindoro, in 2018 without either.

SPSB’s 25-year franchise under Republic Act No. 11357 explicitly requires compliance with EPIRA and ERC rate approval (Section 5). The ERC’s show-cause order, issued January 30, 2026, outlines three violations:

No authority to operate
No COC
Unapproved rates

Each carries fines up to ₱50 million.

As a lawmaker with energy interests, Leviste faces scrutiny under the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials (Republic Act No. 6713), which requires divestment from conflicting businesses, and the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019).

The Supreme Court has upheld ERC authority in Bayan Muna v. ERC (G.R. No. 210245), emphasizing consumer protection and due process in rate regulation.

Political Dimensions

Leviste links the probe to political retaliation over the “Cabral files,” documents allegedly exposing infrastructure irregularities. He claims warnings that cases would follow if he released them.

Timing raises questions. The ERC acted years after operations began, coinciding with the Department of Energy (DOE) terminating 163 projects—64 percent linked to Leviste’s firms—for non-delivery of over 11,000 megawatts.

Political motive does not excuse legal obligations.

Impact on Consumers

In Paluan, residents expected affordable solar power at ₱3 per kilowatt-hour. Reports indicate they paid up to ₱18 per kWh—six times higher.

For underserved communities, this turns promised relief into exploitation. Unregulated rates in captive markets punish the vulnerable.

Possible Outcomes

ERC imposes full penalties — Reinforces regulatory authority but may deter renewable investments.
Case dismissed or settled — Risks precedent that franchises override oversight.
Broader fallout — Damages trust in green energy and institutional credibility.