BATANGAS REP. Leandro L. Leviste is not yet considered a fugitive from justice, the Department of Justice (DoJ) said on Thursday, as it urged the lawmaker to surrender to the court after two of his co-accused in a solar franchise case posted bail.
The case, filed on Sept. 29 before Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 235, alleges violations to the Public Service Act, which Justice Secretary Fredderick A. Vida said remains a serious matter despite the court setting bail at P72,000.
“P72,000 may be a small matter for him, but what is important here is obeying the law,” Mr. Vida told reporters.
“My appeal yesterday was for Congressman Leviste to submit himself to the jurisdiction of the court because at the end of the day, we cannot ignore the rule of law. There should be no higher law,” he added.
Prosecutors alleged that Mr. Leviste’s solar corporation willfully and intentionally failed to comply with obligations under its legislative franchise. The court has issued an arrest warrant, and the arraignment is set for Oct. 26.
DoJ Officer-in-Charge Herbert Calvin D. Abugan said a process must be followed before Mr. Leviste can be declared a fugitive, and the court will give him a chance to appear at the scheduled hearing.
Mr. Vida said that prosecutors could cancel Mr. Leviste’s passport and travel documents as the case progresses.
National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin A. Matibag earlier said the bureau was studying a request to cancel the passport. An Interpol red notice is also an option but remains “far” down the line, Mr. Vida said. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking