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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider MGen denies links to Leviste's firm as Ombudsman probes franchise transfer

MGen denies links to Leviste's firm as Ombudsman probes franchise transfer

Published Jan 12, 2026 10:41 am
Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste and Manuel V. Pangilinan
Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste and Manuel V. Pangilinan
Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen), the electricity-generating arm of Manuel V. Pangilinan-led power distributor, distanced itself from the congressional franchise investigation involving the company founded by Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste.
In a statement, MGen said ith olds no ownership stake in Leviste’s Solar Para Sa Bayan Corp. (SPBC).
Over the weekend, the Office of the Ombudsman is currently investigating SPBC over alleged violations of Republic Act 11357, the law that granted the SPBC a franchise to operate microgrids in remote and unserved areas of the country.
MGen clarified that it is not involved in SPBC’s operations and has no knowledge regarding the firm’s compliance with the terms of its legislative license. The power producer noted that it is not party to any transactions involving the entity under investigation.
The clarification follows reports regarding the business dealings of Leviste, who recently transitioned from his role as a prominent solar energy executive to a member of the 20th Congress.
“MGen did not acquire any share in SPBC… [and] is not privy to any transactions of SPBC nor to any circumstances that may relate to its compliance with its franchise,” it clarified.
While MGen has substantial investments in other ventures formerly led by Leviste, specifically SP New Energy Corp., it maintained that these transactions remain separate from the issues hounding SPBC.
MGen asserted that SPNEC, a publicly listed company, has adhered to all legal and regulatory requirements. The entry of MGen into SPNEC through its affiliates underwent rigorous scrutiny and received necessary approvals from the Philippine Stock Exchange and the Securities and Exchange Commission, the company said.
Christer Gaudiano, MGen head of sustainability, corporate communications, and external affairs, said the statement was issued to counter disinformation circulating on social media regarding the relationship between the two power groups.
The investigation gained momentum over the weekend after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed his office is looking into allegations that SPBC’s franchise was transferred without the required congressional consent.
Leviste has been aggressively divesting from his corporate interests to avoid potential conflicts of interest following his election to the House of Representatives.
In October 2025, the lawmaker consolidated his position in SPNEC by transferring 3.77 billion shares to Meralco in a deal valued at ₱4.5 billion. During the same month, he sold an additional 10.83 billion shares to the utility giant for ₱13.76 billion.
Industry analysts had earlier estimated that Leviste’s total divestment from his energy portfolio could exceed ₱34 billion. Despite the ongoing probe into SPBC, Leviste has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the Ombudsman’s investigation.

Related Tags

Leandro Leviste Manuel V. Pangilinan Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen)
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