Leandro Legarda Leviste, the founder of Solar Philippines and the youngest self-made billionaire in the country, vows to prioritize the economic development of Batangas’ first district.
On Tuesday, the son of four-term Senator Loren Legarda and former governor Antonio Leviste filed his Certificate of Candidacy for a House seat representing the first district.
The district, which encompasses the municipalities of Nasugbu, Lian, Calatagan, Tuy, Balayan, Lemery, Taal, and the city of Calaca, is currently the most underdeveloped area of Batangas.
At just 31 years old, Leviste has been recognized by Forbes Magazine, Bloomberg, and Ernst & Young as a pioneer in the renewable energy sector in the Philippines. His company, Solar Philippines, and its publicly listed unit, SPNEC, have implemented solar power projects nationwide, including the first solar power plant in Batangas that was completed in Calatagan in
In addition to his work in renewable energy, he is an investor in Nasugbu’s Central Azucarera, holds significant shares in ABS-CBN Corporation, and is noted for being the youngest CEO to take a company public in the history of the Philippine Stock Exchange.
Supporters highlight his business acumen and achievements as key factors that would enable him to make meaningf
•
Antonio Leviste
Filipino politician and businessman
In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is Casals and the surname or paternal family name is Leviste.
Jose Antonio "Tony" Casals Leviste (born January 16, ) is a Filipino politician and businessman, who served as Governor of Batangas from to Born to a distinguished Batangueño family renowned in both business and politics, he was married to SenatorLoren Legarda, separated from her before the election campaign. The be-medalled Asian Games equestrienne Toni Leviste is his daughter from a previous marriage.
Leviste was sentenced to six years in prison for the murder of his long-time aide, Rafael de las Alas. Leviste served his sentence at the National Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa and on December 6, , he was released after his parole was granted.
Career
[edit]
Leviste graduated from the Lyceum of the Philippines in and became the president of the Student Varsitarian, a reputable campus organization for students hails from different provinces. During his term as Governor of Batangas, he was elected member of the Batasang Bayan chairman of the Regional Development Council, Vice President of the League of Governors and City Mayors, and chairman of the Program for Forest Ecosystem man