BIZ BUZZ: Nonchalant Leviste

Nonchalant isn’t just a Generation Z vibe anymore, with billionaire lawmaker Leandro Leviste seemingly taking it to a new level: talk about ignoring a P24-billion fine over his terminated renewable contracts.

The news on the massive purging of idle projects—involving mostly Solar Philippines’ commitments—surfaced a little over a month ago.

However, the series of communications sent to Solar Philippines fell on deaf ears.

“Nothing yet. We haven’t gotten the proper response from Solar Philippines,” Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon Garin said when asked if the Leviste-led firm had already touched base with the agency or if there were any attempts to make negotiations.

“So it kind of frustrates us also,” the energy chief said.

Getting the penalties isn’t really the goal, Garin said.

“We just want the projects. The more supply you have, the lower the electricity rates are. I would push for completion, but since there’s no response, we’ll just pursue the penalties,” she said.

The executive said all documents related to its issue against Solar Philippines were already forwarded to the Department of Justice and Ombudsman for them to decide on what legal actions to take.

But as far as the deadline for the multibillion-peso penalty is concerned, it should be settled within the month.

Garin was also confident about the DOE’s decision to terminate the contracts, as the market enjoys rising investor interest.

“The turnout is there’s even more interest to invest,” she said.

Aside from the 33 cancelled contracts, one more is on the brink of collapse.

But Leviste remains calm. Or maybe he isn’t letting his business woes get the spotlight as the young congressman exposes more corruption in flood control projects.

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