Philippines | Probe into Alleged Corruption Linked to Solar Energy Projects Worth ₱10.44 Billion | CUAC

Civil Union – Follow-up The Philippine Office of the Ombudsman is continuing its preliminary investigation into complaints involving alleged corruption and misappropriation linked to contracts for solar energy projects. The canceled contracts have resulted in more than ₱10.44 billion in outstanding financial obligations to the government. The investigation involves Senator Loren Legarda and her son, Congressman Leandro Leviste, as well as former Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, over allegations concerning the acquisition of exclusive contracts for solar energy services. Authorities said a number of the projects were not implemented in accordance with the stated commitments. The Ombudsman’s Office said some of the contracts were transferred to affiliated companies, while some of those companies never began operations. This led to the cancellation of contracts and resulted in more than ₱10.44 billion in outstanding financial obligations to the government. Meanwhile, Legarda and Leviste’s camp deny the allegations, saying the projects did not involve government funds. Their representatives also described the investigation as politically motivated. The case remains at the preliminary investigation stage, and no court ruling has established the criminal liability of any of those involved. Source: The Philippine Star – “Legarda, son face probe over P10 billion solar franchise”