Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste has resigned as a member of the board of directors of SP New Energy Corporation, according to a disclosure filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

In an SEC Form 17-C dated January 23, 2026, SP New Energy said it received a letter from Leviste informing the company of his resignation as director, effective immediately. The filing was submitted as a mandatory current report under securities regulations.

The disclosure refers solely to Leviste’s resignation from SP New Energy’s board and did not indicate any divestment of ownership or changes in shareholdings.

The resignation comes amid public remarks by Sharon S. Garin, Secretary of the Department of Energy, who earlier raised conflict-of-interest concerns involving lawmakers with business interests in energy projects holding government-granted contracts, franchises, or special privileges. Garin has said the Constitution requires divestment—not just disclosure or resignation from corporate positions—when such conflicts exist.

While Leviste has business interests across the renewable energy sector, SP New Energy Corporation is a separate legal entity from Solar Philippines Power Project Holdings Inc., the private firm previously cited by the DOE in connection with stalled renewable energy projects and canceled service contracts. Power Philippines has earlier explained the distinctions between SP New Energy, Solar Philippines, and Solar Para Sa Bayan, noting that the companies have different corporate structures, mandates, and regulatory treatment.

DOE actions cited by Garin—including the cancellation of power supply service contracts totaling about 12,000 megawatts and the pursuit of around PHP 24 billion in penalties—were directed at Solar Philippines-linked contracts and not at SP New Energy as a listed company.

The SEC filing confirms Leviste’s exit from SP New Energy’s board, but questions raised by the DOE center on ownership and divestment issues that extend beyond board representation and apply broadly to public officials with interests in energy ventures. 

Does stepping down from a company’s board sufficiently address conflict-of-interest concerns involving lawmakers in the power sector? Share your thoughts.

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Photo Credit: Leandro Leviste Facebook