DOE Sues Leviste, Solar Philippines Firms Over Undelivered 120-MW Mindanao Solar Project
- June 5, 2026
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The Department of Energy (DOE) has taken Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste and several Solar Philippines-linked companies to court, seeking to recover a ₱1.185-billion performance bond and hold them accountable for the alleged failure to deliver a 120-megawatt solar project awarded under the government’s flagship renewable energy auction program.
In a 55-page civil complaint filed on June 2 before the Regional Trial Court of Taguig City, the DOE named Leviste, Solar Philippines Commercial Rooftop Projects Inc. (SPCRPI), Solar Philippines Southern Mindanao Corp., and Solar Philippines Power Project Holdings Inc. as defendants in connection with the General Santos Solar Power Project.
The project was among the winning bidders in the first round of the Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP) in 2022 and was expected to supply additional renewable energy capacity to the Mindanao grid. However, the DOE alleged that the companies failed to fulfill their commitments and did not deliver the project within the agreed timetable.
DOE Seeks Accountability
The complaint centers on a performance bond valued at approximately ₱1.185 billion, which was intended to guarantee the project’s completion.
According to the DOE, the bond was allowed to expire without replacement despite repeated notices and demands from the government. The agency said efforts to secure compliance and payment from the companies went unanswered.
As a result, the DOE is seeking damages and other forms of relief from the defendants. It has also asked the court to issue a writ of preliminary attachment to secure the assets of those involved while the case is being heard.
In its complaint, the DOE argued that the failure to complete the project had implications beyond a single power facility, saying it undermined government efforts to expand renewable energy capacity and strengthen the country’s energy security.
The department stressed that compliance by winning bidders under the GEAP is critical to ensuring a reliable and adequate electricity supply, particularly as the country seeks to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate the transition to cleaner energy sources.
Failed Commitments
The DOE took a strong position in the filing, claiming that the companies failed to make meaningful progress on the project despite commitments made under the auction program.
It said the Leviste-led group failed “to undertake any serious effort to implement the project,” adding that the delay and non-delivery deprived the grid of much-needed generating capacity.
“Defendants honored none of these commitments—not a single watt was delivered,” the DOE stated in the complaint.
The agency further argued that the project’s failure contributed to broader energy sector challenges, including higher electricity prices.
According to the DOE, the General Santos solar facility was intended to add 120 MW of renewable energy capacity to the Mindanao grid, helping improve supply conditions and support the government’s long-term energy transition objectives.
After receiving no response to repeated notices regarding the renewal of the performance bond and other project obligations, the DOE terminated the project’s service contract in December 2025.
Controlling Figure
The DOE also sought to establish Leviste’s direct responsibility in the case, describing him as the controlling force behind the corporate defendants.
In its filing, the department said Leviste owned 100 percent of SPCRPI and exercised direct control over the companies involved in the project. It argued that the corporate entities effectively operated as a single decision-making group in relation to the development of the General Santos solar facility.
The agency maintained that accountability should extend not only to the corporations but also to the individuals who directed their actions and decisions.
“The plaintiff accordingly comes before this Honorable Court to demand full and complete accountability from defendants … for the damage their willful and unconscionable non-performance has inflicted upon the State’s constitutional energy mandate and the Filipino public,” the DOE said in the complaint.
As of reporting, Leviste had yet to publicly respond to the allegations.
DOE Actions
The latest lawsuit marks another legal and regulatory action involving Leviste and companies linked to the Solar Philippines group.
In May, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin filed a separate complaint against Leviste and several directors of Solar Para Sa Bayan (SPSB), citing the company’s alleged failure to provide electricity service to remote and underserved communities despite holding a legislative franchise.
Under its franchise, SPSB was expected to establish microgrids and utilize renewable energy technologies to bring electricity to areas that are unserved, underserved, or considered commercially unviable by traditional distribution utilities.
Earlier this year, the DOE also imposed a ₱24-billion penalty on Solar Philippines Power Project Holdings Inc. for allegedly failing to deliver more than 11,000 MW of renewable energy capacity covered by government commitments.
The developments underscore the government’s increasing focus on enforcing compliance among renewable energy developers participating in national energy programs.
Launched to accelerate private-sector investment in clean energy, the GEAP has become a cornerstone of the Philippines’ strategy to expand renewable energy capacity and reduce the dominance of coal in the power generation mix. The DOE has repeatedly emphasized that strict adherence to project commitments is essential to maintaining investor confidence, ensuring grid reliability, and achieving the country’s long-term energy transition targets.
Source:
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2239874/doe-seeks-p1-18b-in-second-case-vs-leviste
