Leviste was questioned in his recent interviews about a penalty of 24 billion faced by one of his companies

  

“ Kung si Zaldy Co daw ay Flood Control King si Leviste naman daw ay Kuryente King. “ ayon ito sa mga netizens “

According to Garin, Leviste owns 99.9 percent of Solar Philippines, which was slapped with a P24-billion penalty for failing to meet contractual obligations to deliver power within the prescribed period.

Leviste has said SPBC shut down operations four years ago, but Garin stressed that the closure ddid not absolve a franchise holder of its responsibilities. 

“That’s not the point. You have a franchise, there are obligations and responsibilities in the franchise, eh kung magsara ka ng kusa, you have to tell Congress… not unilaterally decide kasi binigay nga sayo ng Kongreso,” she said.

“Whether you stop operations, you divest, or you sell it, you have to tell Congress,” Garin added. “You have a franchise, and you have deliverables being a franchise holder. He could have informed Congress… if they wanted to stop operations because Congress can give it to other companies.”  

BALAYAN, Batangas—Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, whose solar power company was recently sanctioned by the Department of Energy (DOE), is pursuing a battle on the side—this time with a Palace official.

Leviste on Friday filed a civil libel complaint against Malacanang Press Officer Claire Castro for supposedly spreading false information about his businesses.

He was accompanied by his new legal counsel, Ferdinand Topacio, in filing the complaint at the Balayan Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Batangas province, where Leviste is the congressman representing the first district.

“Technically I could have easily pressed criminal charges, but I don’t want her to face jail time,” Leviste said at a press conference after his filing, explaining the civil nature of the complaint.

“What’s clear however is that there are forces trying to distract or disrupt but our goal is for transparency that’s why we filed a complaint against her,” he said.

The neophyte lawmaker is seeking P100 million in moral damages, P10 million in exemplary damages, and P1 million to cover attorney’s fees.

Leviste accused Castro of “defaming him” by claiming that he illegally sold off the franchise for Solar Para Sa Bayan Corp. (SPBC), one of his companies in the power sector.


Source

Bilyonaryo's: https://bnc.bilyonaryo.com/doe-congress-to-rule-on-leviste-solar-firms-franchise-issues/news/?fbclid=IwZnRzaAPZj8ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeZLknTgEOUl8cXeMpB4rG0P-RRFQgCUiviNuMLJqmnaK8h3C9wSLCUOHx79Q_aem_ijSb192IpQCwkjPabyCllw

Inquirer: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2169201/leviste-files-p111m-libel-raps-vs-palace-spox-castro/amp

Tiangco Says Romualdez Bears Command Responsibility in Flood Control Issue

Navotas lone district Representative Toby Tiangco said former House Speaker Martin Romualdez bears command responsibility over former Ako-Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co in connection with the alleged insertions in Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) flood control projects.

Tiangco stressed that he is not taking sides in the controversy but is merely recounting what he said actually happened. “Wala akong kinakampihan at pinagtatanggol, sinasabi ko kung ano ang tunay na nangyari, hindi para depensahan ang Presidente kundi para sabihin ang totoo. All of these would not have happened if hindi pinayagan ni Speaker. Ang direct command responsibility kay Zaldy ay si Martin,” Tiangco said in a radio interview.

Tiangco’s remarks followed his earlier statements that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had confronted both Romualdez and Co over the transfer of unprogrammed funds to projects allegedly approved by the two. According to Tiangco, President Marcos was not aware of the actions taken by Romualdez and Co, which was why they were reprimanded.

“All of this will not have happened kung hindi pinayagan ni former Speaker Martin Romualdez. Kasi kung sasabihin natin command responsibility, the direct command responsibility was the command responsibility ng dating Speaker Martin Romualdez kay Zaldy Co. Yan yung direct na command responsibility eh. Kaya nga, napagalitan siya (ni Presidente),” he said.

Tiangco also called on the government to intensify efforts to bring Co back to the Philippines, noting that an arrest warrant has already been issued. He said many Filipinos are growing frustrated over the lack of high-profile arrests linked to the controversy. He added that he is proposing the deployment of a team to Portugal to demonstrate the administration’s resolve in pursuing Co.

“Nakukulangan lang ako doon sa effort. Parang isang taong may warrant of arrest dito sa Pilipinas 'di ba—pag mas pursiguido, mas malaki ang chansa. Maghanap-hanap na sila doon. Tanong-tanong sila ng mga Filipino community. Mag-imbestiga na rin sila pag nandoon sila in coordination with the law agencies sa bansa na yun,” Tiangco shared.

Tiangco said the investigation into the alleged anomalous flood control projects now lies with the Office of the Ombudsman. He added that once Congress resumes session, he hopes lawmakers can pass the ICI bill he authored to strengthen the commission’s mandate.

“Lahat naka atang na sa balikat ng Ombudsman. Since kulang na ng personalidad yung ICI, wala silang katulong pagdating sa bagay na yun, hindi katulad nung buo pa yung ICI. But I hope pagbalik namin sa Congress, maipasa na yung ICI bill,” said Tiangco.

Lito Banayo lauds Tiangco for his honesty as he exposes Romualdez

Former Philippine representative to Taiwan and veteran political strategist Lito Banayo has lauded Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco for his integrity following his exposé on the circumstances surrounding the controversial budget transactions involving Leyte Rep. and then–House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

In his column for the Manila Standard, Banayo described Tiangco as a revelation and far removed from the usual trapo (traditional politicians) that have long dominated Philippine politics.

“Toby Tiangco is a revelation. Not the usual trapo that we have come to regard all legislators, save for a minuscule few. So candid, so refreshing. And so honest,” Banayo said.

He praised Tiangco’s courage for revealing that President Marcos berated Romualdez, his first cousin, for diverting parts of the unprogrammed funds to projects that he and then Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co favored.

In a previous interview, Tiangco said Romualdez promised the President that the funds would be restored in the bicameral conference committee, but it did not materialize.

According to Tiangco, Romualdez took advantage of Marcos’ kindness by not heeding his order. “Ang problema kasi ang impression kay Presidente masyadong mabait e,” the lawmaker said.

Banayo said Malacañang will have a hard time debunking Tiangco’s claim, saying he believes the lawmaker was telling the truth.

“I believe him. I am sure many, many more believe honest Toby,” he stressed.

In the same interview, Tiangco revealed that based on surveys conducted before the 2025 senatorial elections, Romualdez was a major reason for the decline in Marcos’ approval ratings.

“Pero doon pa lang, nakikita na ang nagpapababa sa ratings niya, si Martin,” he said, adding that the President was aware of it.


Reference:
https://manilastandard.net/opinion/314691320/honest-toby.html

Martin Romualdez linked to ownership of multi-million-dollar property in Spain – report from Rappler

A Rappler investigative report has linked Leyte Representative and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez to a multi-million-dollar home in Cadiz, Spain.

According to Rappler, the property -- known as Villa Kabila -- is a 2,019-square-meter residence with at least 16 bedrooms and a large swimming pool, spanning two adjoining lots totaling 3,976 square meters in the affluent Sotogrande enclave.

Based on real estate listings from 2021 to 2023, the property was priced between 6.5 million and 6.9 million euros or $7.54 million to $8 million (P444.5 million to P471.8 million) before it was acquired by Cecil Property PTE Ltd. on Jan. 30, 2024.

Cecil Property Pte Ltd was incorporated in Singapore just days earlier, or on January 10, 2024.

After further investigation, Rappler discovered that Cecil Property had two individuals and a company closely associated with it. The company,
Braavos Holdings OPC, is a Philippine one-person corporation run by Jose Raulito E. Paras, a senior partner at the law firm Padernal & Paras, formerly APP Law.

The law firm has deep ties to Romualdez as Paras served as treasurer for Romualdez's Media Serbisyo Production Corporation and sat on the board of Benguet Corporation, a Romualdez-owned mining giant, until 2023.

Senior partner Edgar Dennis Padernal, for his part, served on the boards of the Romualdez-owned Benguet Corporation and Bright Kindle Resources & Investment before resigning in 2020 and 2024, respectively.

Jesse Hermogenes T. Andres, meanwhile, left the firm in 2022, prior to the Spanish property transaction, but he was still listed on the firm’s website up until it went offline in early January 2026.

Paras and Andres have similar histories on Romualdez's company boards and are known fraternity brothers with Romualdez in Upsilon Sigma Phi.

Andres worked as Department of Justice Undersecretary until December 2025 before he was appointed deputy executive secretary for legal affairs at Malacañang.

The former Speaker’s son, Ferdinand Martin “Marty” Romualdez Jr., has been identified as a polo player who frequently competed in Sotogrande events through the Calatagan Polo Club.

Marty Romualdez was also geotagged at the Ayala Polo Club, just an 11-minute drive from the Villa Kabila property.

Reference, Rappler article: 

https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/investigative/martin-romualdez-links-malaysian-shareholders-spain-property/

DigiPlus launches first-ever podcast series ‘Level Up IRL’

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (DigiPlus), the pioneer and leading digital entertainment provider behind BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, has partnered with top esports and gaming entertainment company Tier One Entertainment to launch “Level Up IRL,” a new podcast series that explores gaming culture, lifestyle, mental health, and the evolving creator economy.

Episode 1 of the podcast, “Pro Poker Champion on Life, Loss, and Learning to Win Responsibly” is now streaming on DigiPlus’ YouTube and Spotify channels, with next episodes to drop every Wednesday.

DigiPlus and Tier One Entertainment’s Level Up IRL launches with Episode 1, “Pro Poker Champion on Life, Loss, and
Learning to Win Responsibly” (L–R: host Cia Hermosa Jorge; guest Flo Campomanes)

“Level Up IRL (In Real Life)” unpacks gaming and creator culture through real stories—spotlighting the human struggles and wins behind the screen. With the tagline “Usapang laro, usapang totoo,” the creator-led series is designed to spark authentic conversations around the gaming experience, digital responsibility, and what it takes to grow in today’s fast-moving creator and entertainment space.

Spanning 12 episodes, the series brings together artists, creators, gamers, and industry voices to share real experiences and insights from the digital world—covering personal growth, responsible play, and navigating life online.

Hosted by film and advertising director, writer, and producer Cia Hermosa Jorge, “Level Up IRL” features guests such as actress and host Tuesday Vargas, poker champion Flo Campomanes, stand-up comedian and TV/film writer GB Labrador, dancer and social media influencer Joshua Decena, and actress and theatre director Missy Maramara, among others.

“As a leader in digital entertainment, we have a responsibility to create relevant content that promotes digital well-being and mindful engagement,” said Celeste Jovenir, Vice President of Investor Relations, Corporate Communications, and Sustainability at DigiPlus. 

“Through this initiative, DigiPlus seeks to establish a platform for constructive lifestyle and digital culture conversations that resonate with broader audiences—fully aligned with our vision to transform entertainment for good.”

Tier One Entertainment emphasized that the podcast aims to promote healthier perspectives on gaming and high-performance lifestyles.

"When it comes to gaming, or high performance in any field, a healthy mindset is of utmost importance.

That's why we partnered with DigiPlus to produce the ‘Level Up IRL’ podcast. We wanted listeners to understand that no matter the profession or interest sphere you participate in, bringing a sense of
playfulness is key to obtaining that sense of fulfillment,” according to Tier One Entertainment.

“More than playfulness however, a healthy mindset is also grounded in balance. The podcast guests also discuss the pitfalls and bad days of being a comedian, dancer, musician, and more. How can one quickly bounce back from the curve balls life throws at you? We're proud of the way this podcast frames this crucial introspection in a fun, candid environment so listeners can feel like they are a natural part of the
conversation and take those lessons into their personal lives."

“Level Up IRL” supports DigiPlus’ broader push to elevate digital entertainment for Filipinos through
culturally relevant content, while continuing to advocate responsible gaming across platforms.