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Advocates Philippines
Leviste Sues PCO USec. Castro Over Alleged 'Fake News' Claims
Photo credit: Leandro Leviste
A legal showdown is shaping up after Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Legarda Leviste filed a libel case on Thursday against Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro, accusing her of spreading “fake news” and making libelous statements about his solar energy business.
The case was lodged at the Balayan Regional Trial Court, with Leviste saying the move was not meant to personally attack Castro, but to protect his name and reputation.
“I filed this case against Usec. Castro because of her spread of fake news and libelous statements about my solar business,” Leviste said. “I don’t want to hurt Usec. Castro. I simply need to defend my name. That’s why I filed a civil case, so she won’t face imprisonment.”
Leviste also clarified claims surrounding his solar ventures, stressing that he did not sell any solar franchise. According to him, what was sold was a separate company that did not hold a franchise and owned land in Nueva Ecija and Bulacan. He emphasized that he did not receive a single peso from the government, adding that all his funds came from private business.
As part of the lawsuit, Leviste is seeking ₱110 million in moral and exemplary damages, along with attorney’s fees, citing the damage allegedly caused by the statements made against him.
Following his clarification, Leviste said he is now ready to address other issues linked to him, particularly questions involving evidence related to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“Now that I have addressed this, I can now also address questions on our evidence on the DPWH,” he said.
The case now places the spotlight on the growing tension between public officials, misinformation claims, and the legal boundaries of public discourse.
The case was lodged at the Balayan Regional Trial Court, with Leviste saying the move was not meant to personally attack Castro, but to protect his name and reputation.
“I filed this case against Usec. Castro because of her spread of fake news and libelous statements about my solar business,” Leviste said. “I don’t want to hurt Usec. Castro. I simply need to defend my name. That’s why I filed a civil case, so she won’t face imprisonment.”
Leviste also clarified claims surrounding his solar ventures, stressing that he did not sell any solar franchise. According to him, what was sold was a separate company that did not hold a franchise and owned land in Nueva Ecija and Bulacan. He emphasized that he did not receive a single peso from the government, adding that all his funds came from private business.
As part of the lawsuit, Leviste is seeking ₱110 million in moral and exemplary damages, along with attorney’s fees, citing the damage allegedly caused by the statements made against him.
Following his clarification, Leviste said he is now ready to address other issues linked to him, particularly questions involving evidence related to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“Now that I have addressed this, I can now also address questions on our evidence on the DPWH,” he said.
The case now places the spotlight on the growing tension between public officials, misinformation claims, and the legal boundaries of public discourse.
Jan 16, 2026
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