The Department of Energy has cancelled several renewable energy service contracts with Solar Philippines, a company founded by Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste, after determining that the firm failed to meet its commitments. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the cancellations cover around 17,000 megawatts of pending projects, with nearly 12,000 megawatts belonging to Solar Philippines alone. She explained that the government wants to prevent what she described as “flippers and opportunists” from delaying or taking advantage of projects that are essential for the country’s energy security.
Garin warned that because these solar power developments did not move forward as expected, the country could face future supply issues and may not see the anticipated reductions in electricity prices. The DOE is also imposing penalties of about P24 billion on Solar Philippines for failure to deliver on agreed timelines and requirements. Reports indicate that a total of 163 renewable energy service contracts issued between 2024 and 2025, with a combined capacity of 17,900 megawatts, are being revoked. Many of these contracts were awarded through the government’s green energy auction program, which aims to accelerate investment and construction of renewable energy facilities across the Philippines.
Meanwhile, the Ombudsman has opened an investigation into Leviste over allegations that he attempted to sell his solar company’s franchise to businessman Manny V. Pangilinan. Meralco PowerGen Corporation has denied any such transaction, saying there was no sale or transfer of ownership. The investigation is ongoing as the DOE moves to reallocate cancelled capacities to companies capable of building and operating the needed renewable energy projects.
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
