Better for Leviste to defend himself in court, Palace says

SINGAPORE — It would be better for Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste to defend himself in court on an alleged violation of the Public Services Act that has led to a warrant being issued for his arrest, the Palace said Wednesday.

Leviste’s spokesperson Atty. Tony La Viña said earlier in the day that there is no basis for the allegation since the franchise granted to Leviste’s solar power company is not covered by the Public Services Act.

“[M]arami din naman ang naniniwala sa kanya na siya din ay lumalaban sa issue ng korupsiyon. So dito niya mapapatunayan na isa siyang magiting na leader kapagka hinarap niya ito mismo,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing at the Philippine Embassy in Singapore ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s five-day working visit.  

(Many believe that he is anti-corruption, so he can show he is a brave leader by facing these allegations.)

Castro, a lawyer, noted the Makati court that ordered Leviste’s arrest has also set bail of P72,000, which means he would not have to be detained.

She also pointed out that Leviste is abroad.

“Kung mayroon naman pong sapat na ebidensya si Congressman Leviste maaari niya naman po itong labanan at ipagtanggol ang kanyang sarili,” Castro added.

(If Congressman Leviste has sufficient evidence, he can fight the case in court and defend himself.)

Respondents in cases are presumed innocent and the burden of proving the accusation is on the prosecution.