NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Leviste Steps Down As MTerra Solar Nears Grid Integration
FILE
MANILA, Philippines — In a surprising move, Leandro Legarda Leviste has stepped down from the board of MTerra Solar, the massive solar project that’s been making headlines as one of the country’s biggest renewable energy developments.
Leviste, a businessman and congressman, said he decided to resign to protect investors — including Meralco — from being dragged into what he called “wrong political attacks” aimed at him.
“Para hindi madamay sa mga maling political attacks sa akin ang Meralco at iba pang investors… ako po ay nagbitiw bilang board director,” he said in a social media post.
So What’s Changing?
As MTerra Solar moves closer to connecting to the national grid, the company is shifting from development mode into full operations.
That’s why the board is being reorganized — and why Emmanuel V. Rubio, President and CEO of Meralco PowerGen (MGen), was appointed to the MTerra Solar board effective Jan. 21, 2026.
Why Now?
MTerra Solar is not just any project — it’s nearing a major milestone: grid integration.
The company recently announced that its 500-kV substation along the Nagsaag–San Jose transmission line has been successfully connected to the grid. They also said Phase 1 energization is set for this quarter, with output expected to ramp up to 1,500 MW by August 2026.
What This Project Means for the Country
MTerra Solar is being built as one of the world’s largest solar-plus-battery projects, spanning areas in Nueva Ecija and Bulacan.
When it’s fully completed, the project is expected to deliver:
• 3,500 MWp of solar power
• 4,500 MWh of battery storage
This means the Philippines could get a huge boost in clean energy capacity — a big step toward reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Leviste, a businessman and congressman, said he decided to resign to protect investors — including Meralco — from being dragged into what he called “wrong political attacks” aimed at him.
“Para hindi madamay sa mga maling political attacks sa akin ang Meralco at iba pang investors… ako po ay nagbitiw bilang board director,” he said in a social media post.
So What’s Changing?
As MTerra Solar moves closer to connecting to the national grid, the company is shifting from development mode into full operations.
That’s why the board is being reorganized — and why Emmanuel V. Rubio, President and CEO of Meralco PowerGen (MGen), was appointed to the MTerra Solar board effective Jan. 21, 2026.
Why Now?
MTerra Solar is not just any project — it’s nearing a major milestone: grid integration.
The company recently announced that its 500-kV substation along the Nagsaag–San Jose transmission line has been successfully connected to the grid. They also said Phase 1 energization is set for this quarter, with output expected to ramp up to 1,500 MW by August 2026.
What This Project Means for the Country
MTerra Solar is being built as one of the world’s largest solar-plus-battery projects, spanning areas in Nueva Ecija and Bulacan.
When it’s fully completed, the project is expected to deliver:
• 3,500 MWp of solar power
• 4,500 MWh of battery storage
This means the Philippines could get a huge boost in clean energy capacity — a big step toward reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Jan 23, 2026
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