DoE sues Solar Philippines unit over undelivered Mindanao solar project

THE Department of Energy (DoE) has filed a complaint against businessman-turned-politician Leandro Antonio L. Leviste and his company for allegedly failing to deliver a committed solar project in Mindanao under the government’s green energy auction program.

In a 55-page complaint filed before the Regional Trial Court of Taguig City, the DoE alleged that Solar Philippines Commercial Rooftop Projects, Inc. (SPCRPI) and its affiliates failed to fulfill obligations tied to the General Santos Solar Power Project.

The project was supposed to deliver 120 megawatts of capacity to the Mindanao grid by Dec. 25, 2025 after securing a contract under the first Green Energy Auction Program in 2022.

“They not only failed to deliver, they also did not [promptly] inform the plaintiff of its inability to perform, ultimately allowing the project to fail on the delivery commencement date,” according to a copy of the civil complaint provided by the agency.

Mr. Leviste did not immediately respond to a call and Viber message seeking comment.

The agency said the alleged failure affected efforts to expand renewable energy capacity and strengthen the country’s energy security.

The DoE is also seeking at least P1.185 billion in damages, equivalent to the value of the project’s performance bond, which was meant to guarantee completion of the facility but has already expired.

“While the defendants’ performance bond expired, this did not extinguish their liabilities arising from breach of contract,” the agency said.

“Thus, the defendants are still liable for actual damages which should be, at least, not lower than, the value of the performance bond,” it added.

The DoE said SPCRPI assigned the project to Solar Philippines Southern Mindanao Corp., which is owned by Solar Philippines Power Project Holdings, Inc. founded by Mr. Leviste.

The DoE is also seeking to hold Mr. Leviste personally liable, alleging that he owns SPCRPI and exercises direct control over the companies involved in the project. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera