Leandro Antonio Legarda Leviste (born March 18, 1993) is a Filipino businessman, entrepreneur, environmental advocate, and politician, widely recognized for founding Solar Philippines and later becoming a member of the Philippine House of Representatives for Batangas’s 1st District.

He gained national attention as a self-made solar power pioneer, rapidly growing his company into one of the Philippines’ most influential renewable energy firms, and later transitioning into public service with a historic election victory.

Early Life

Leandro Leviste was born in Makati, Philippines on March 18, 1993, to two of the country’s prominent figures:

• Antonio Leviste – his father, a former Governor of Batangas, and
• Loren Legarda – his mother, a well-known Philippine Senator.

Growing up with political and business influences from both parents, Leviste had early exposure to national affairs and leadership environments. The blend of public service and entrepreneurial ethos in his household shaped his ambitions for sustainable business and national development.

He also has a half-sister, Toni Leviste, and other extended family ties to Philippine political circles.

Education

Leviste enrolled at Yale University, where he studied political science — a discipline that broadened his understanding of governance and policy. While at Yale, he became deeply interested in renewable energy technologies, inspired particularly by global innovators in clean tech.

A summer internship at Meralco, the Philippines’ largest power distribution company, exposed him to the country’s energy infrastructure and sparked the idea that solar power could provide cleaner, more affordable electricity to Filipinos.

Solar Philippines: Building a Renewable Energy Empire

Founding Solar Philippines (2013)

At just 20 years old, while still in university, Leandro Leviste launched Solar Philippines Power Project Holdings, Inc. — commonly known as Solar Philippines — with a bold mission: to make cheap, reliable solar electricity accessible nationwide.

From rooftop panel installations to solar farms, the company quickly expanded its footprint in the renewable energy sector.

Major Milestones

• First Solar Projects – early installations at commercial sites helped establish credibility.

• Calatagan & Tarlac Solar Farms – major ground-mounted solar farms delivering clean power.

• SPNEC IPO (2021) – SP New Energy Corporation, a subsidiary, became the first solar firm to go public in the Philippines, making Leviste the youngest chairman of a listed company on the Philippine Stock Exchange.

• Record Investments – major funding secured for large-scale solar projects, including plans for a 3,500 MW solar-battery farm, one of the world’s largest.

Awards & Recognition

Leviste’s leadership earned international accolades, including:

• Forbes Asia “30 Under 30”
• World Bank IFC’s 2016 Sustainable Energy Finance Award
• Multiple Asian Power Awards

These recognitions reinforced Solar Philippines’ reputation as a major renewable energy player.

Other Business Ventures & Investments

Beyond solar power, Leviste has diversified his business interests:

• Largest non-Lopez shareholder of ABS-CBN Corp., expanding into media.
• Strategic investments in Roxas & Co. Inc. (sugar industry) and other regional entities.
• Acquisition of Solidaridad Bookshop, a historic Filipino cultural establishment.

Transition to Politics: Batangas First District

Historic Election (2025)

In 2025, Leandro Leviste ran as the congressional candidate for Batangas’ 1st District and won in a landslide — capturing 74.58% of votes and the largest raw vote total of any House race in Batangas’ history.

Running on a platform emphasizing economic development, infrastructure support, education, and sustainability, his victory marked a new chapter blending business leadership with public service.

Legislative Initiatives

On his first day in office, Rep. Leviste filed a bill proposing a monthly allowance for all Filipino students, highlighting his focus on education and social upliftment.

He has also taken strong stances against corruption, filing cases against government officials attempting bribery in local infrastructure projects — signaling an anti-corruption posture.

Net Worth

In 2024, the Manila Bulletin named Leviste the youngest self-made billionaire in the Philippines, thanks in large part to his Solar Philippines success and strategic investments.

While exact net worth figures vary, his financial growth has been driven by:

• Solar Philippines share sales
• Strategic investments
• Expanding business and media portfolios

Controversies & Public Scrutiny

High-profile public figures often face criticism, and Leviste is no exception. Some controversies and debates around him include:

• Energy Contract Deliveries — reports suggest some solar contracts were not fulfilled fully, leading to government actions in 2024–2025.
• Debates on Franchise & Policy Advantages — discussions exist concerning how energy policies shaped opportunities for his business.

While these issues are part of public discourse, Leviste continues to assert his commitment to renewable energy and governance.

FAQs

1. Who is Leandro Leviste?

Leandro Leviste is a Filipino entrepreneur and politician, founder of Solar Philippines and Congressman of Batangas’s 1st District since 2025.

2. What is Solar Philippines?

Solar Philippines is a renewable energy company focused on solar power generation and energy infrastructure, created in 2013 by Leviste.

3. What major achievements has Leviste made?

He led the first solar company IPO in the Philippines, became a billionaire, and won a historic congressional election.

4. Is Leviste involved in politics?

Yes — he serves as a Representative in the Philippine House for Batangas’s 1st District.

5. What are his key advocacies?

Leviste champions affordable clean energy, education funding, infrastructure growth, and anti-corruption measures.

Conclusion

Leandro Leviste represents a new breed of Filipino leaders bridging innovative business acumen with public service commitment. From a young renewable energy pioneer to a legislative force, his journey illustrates how entrepreneurship can evolve into national influence.

Although his path has sparked debate, Leviste’s role in shaping renewable energy policy, fostering economic initiatives, and pushing for educational reform positions him as a key figure in the Philippines’ contemporary socio-political landscape. His story is one of ambition, influence, and ongoing evolution as he works to balance business growth with public service and sustainability.