Manila: Palace Press Officer Claire Castro on Friday said Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste wants to 'silence her' through a libel case. Castro has yet to receive a copy of the complaint, but she questioned Leviste's move, noting that her previous statements regarding the alleged sale of shares in his solar energy firm were even supported by the lawmaker's admission.

According to Philippines News Agency, Leviste filed a civil libel complaint against Castro for 'libelous statements' against him in her vlogs in relation to his solar power business. In June 2025, Leviste agreed to divest his shares in SP New Energy Corp., a subsidiary of Solar Philippines which he founded in 2013, before assuming office in the 20th Congress.

Castro stated that aside from her claims, Congressman Leviste admitted that he is not the owner of Solar Para sa Bayan anymore, as he already divested his shares. She expressed that filing the case is an attempt to prevent her from discussing these issues.

Castro also questioned why Leviste did not file a similar complaint against Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, suggesting it was due to his respect and personal connection with Remulla's family. She pointed out the discrepancy in the treatment and questioned if the Ombudsman's statements are considered justified while hers are labeled as libelous.

She expressed her belief that the case is a tactic to stop her from discussing significant issues affecting the country. Castro urged Leviste to focus on defending himself from the alleged franchise violations committed by the solar firm he founded, as an investigation is reportedly underway into these claims.