The Office of the Ombudsman has started a preliminary investigation into possible violations of plunder, graft, and conflict-of-interest laws involving Sen. Loren Legarda and Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste over uncompleted solar energy projects with reported unpaid government obligations amounting to P10.44 billion.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said the case is being reviewed to determine whether probable cause exists to file formal charges against the two lawmakers.
“Masusi namin pinag-aralan ‘to kasi this is a very novel case. Hindi ito basta-bastang maiisip na dapat gawin. Pero pag pinag-aralan mo yun ang nangyari sa ating energy sector sa Pilipinas, talagang nag-suffer tayo sa ginawa nila,” Remulla said.
Remulla said the allegations involve solar energy projects that were expected to contribute to the country’s energy supply under the Philippine Energy Plan but were not fully implemented.
He alleged that the projects were sold and generated income despite failing to deliver the promised developments.
“Binenta lang, kumita lang ng pera pero hindi nila ginawa. Kung meron silang ginawa, kakaunti, kakarampot, hindi kagaya ng pinangako nila, na gagawin nila,” Remulla said.
He added that energy projections of the Department of Energy rely on expected power contributions from planned projects, making failures in implementation a concern for the country’s energy sector.
“Ang ating energy mix, yung ating energy projections, especially Department of Energy, it relies on projections on how much power we will need as a country,” he said.
In a statement, Legarda denied the allegations, describing them as baseless and damaging to her reputation.
Legarda said she had not received any official communication from the Ombudsman regarding the reported investigation but maintained that the accusations were false.
“The reported accusations are utterly false and baseless. No public funds were involved,” Legarda said.
She also defended her record in public service, saying she has maintained her integrity throughout her political career.
“All my public life since 1998, I have always upheld my integrity, which I value dearly. We are prepared to bring out the truth,” she said.
Legarda urged the public to wait for the facts, saying she remains confident that the allegations will be resolved.
The Department of Energy (DOE) earlier filed a complaint before the Department of Justice against Leviste and officials of Solar Para Sa Bayan Corp. on May 6 over the company’s alleged failure to install renewable energy technology microgrids in areas covered by its 25-year legislative franchise.
Meanwhile, Remulla also announced that criminal charges for multiple counts of malversation are being pursued against Construction Workers Solidarity Party-list Rep. Edwin Gardiola.
Remulla said Gardiola may also face allegations under Section 3(h) of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits public officials from having financial interests in businesses or transactions connected to their official duties.
“He engaged in self-dealing within Congress, and he performed work that a congressman should never be doing. A cong-tractor, as they say. It is a clear conflict of interest,” Remulla said.
The Ombudsman said the charges against Gardiola, once filed, would be non-bailable.
Photo courtesy of Politiko
Comments