Leandro Antonio Legarda Leviste (born March 18, 1993) is a Filipino entrepreneur, investor, and politician currently serving as the Representative of the 1st District of Batangas in the

House of Representatives of the Philippines The House of Representatives (; '','' thus commonly referred to as ''Kamara'') is the lower house of Congress of the Philippines, Congress, the bicameral legislature of the Philippines, with the Senate of the Philippines as the upper house. The ...

. He is the son of Philippine Senator

Loren Legarda Lorna Regina "Loren" Bautista Legarda (born January 28, 1960) is a Filipina politician, environmentalist, cultural worker, and former journalist who is currently serving as a Senator and served as the president pro tempore of the Senate of the ...

and former Batangas Governor Antonio Leviste. Best known as the founder and CEO of Solar Philippines, the country’s largest solar energy company, Leviste is widely recognized as th
youngest self-made billionaire in the Philippines
With his combined experience in business and public service, he is seen as a transformative leader at the forefront of both sustainable energy development, public service, and progressive legislation. In his first term as a congressman, Leviste file
House Bill No. 27
or the National Student Allowance Program (NSAP), which proposes a minimum monthly allowance of ₱1,000 for all Filipino students from kindergarten to college. Notably, he filed the bill personally on the very first day of the 20th Congress, underscoring his focus and drive. "If you want to get something done, you have to focus on one thing," he said, signaling his serious intent to pass the promising legislation.

Early life

Leandro was born to a political family deeply rooted in Philippine governance. His mother, Loren Legarda, is a seasoned broadcast journalist turned senator, and his father, Antonio Leviste, served as governor of Batangas. From a young age, Leandro was exposed to the realities of public service. In 2003, he gained early media attention as a gifted child and math whiz featured in a milk brand commercial at just 10 years old.

Education

Leviste attended

Yale University Yale University is a Private university, private Ivy League research university in New Haven, Connecticut, United States. Founded in 1701, Yale is the List of Colonial Colleges, third-oldest institution of higher education in the United Stat ...

, where he pursued a degree in Political Science. During his studies, he developed a strong interest in renewable energy, inspired by the innovations of Elon Musk, particularly Tesla and SolarCity. His early investment in Tesla stock would later help fund his business ventures. He eventually left Yale to return to the Philippines and establish Solar Philippines, driven by the belief that entrepreneurship could create rapid and scalable solutions to national challenges—a perspective he would later carry into public service.

Business Ventures

In 2013, at the age of 20, Leviste founded Solar Philippines, which has since grown into Southeast Asia’s largest integrated solar energy developer. Some of his landmark achievements include: Building the first Filipino solar panel factory in 2017, which created approximately 1,000 jobs. Completing one of the world's largest solar-powered malls with SM North EDSA in 2014. Leadin
Solar Philippines Nueva Ecija Corporation (SPNEC)
to its IPO in 2021, raising funds for a 500 MW solar project—the biggest in Southeast Asia. Launchin
Solar Para Sa Bayan
in 2018, bringing off-grid solar solutions to underserved communities. In 2022, Solar Philippines won 70% of the total renewable energy capacity in the country’s first Green Energy Auction. In 2023
Leviste sold a controlling stake in SPNEC to Meralco’s Manny Pangilinan
for ₱34 billion. Despite stepping down as vice chairman, he remains actively involved in realizing his goal of building a 3,500 MW solar farm, potentially the world’s largest, through Terra Solar Corporation. He has since expanded into media
acquiring an 8.5% stake in ABS-CBN
becoming its second-largest shareholder. In May 2025, he completed a ₱5-billion buyout of Roxas Holdings, a bioethanol and agribusiness firm.

Political career

2025 Congressional Victory Leviste made a historic political debut by winning a landslide victory in the 2025 elections, securing 268,764 votes (75%) against incumbent Rep. Eric Buhain's 91,588 votes. His win is notable for being: The largest margin of victory against an incumbent congressman in the country that year. The most votes received in any congressional race in Batangas history. The collapse of a five-decade-long political monopoly held by the Buhain and Apacible families. He won in all 8 towns and cities: Balayan, Calaca, Calatagan, Lemery, Lian, Nasugbu, Taal, and Tuy.

Legislative Agenda

His flagship bill, HB No. 27 - National Student Allowance Program (NSAP), proposes providing students a monthly allowance of at least ₱1,000. "Even if this is the only bill we accomplish, I will be very satisfied," he told reporters.

Campaign Message

His 2025 campaign slogan, "Paunlarin Natin ang Unang Distrito," reflected his advocacy for education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation. His promise: to transform Western Batangas into the most progressive district in the province.

Philanthropy and Advocacy

Beyond business and politics, Leviste has remained involved in community-focused and philanthropic efforts:
Partnered with LGUs to electrify remote villages.

Supported solar solutions for public schools and government buildings.

Advocated for sustainable development and clean energy access.

Personal life

Leviste is close to his mother, Loren Legarda, and often speaks fondly of her influence. In 2022, he penned a Philippine Star column titled
"Why I Am So Proud of My Mom"
praising her as a mother and public servant. His 2025 ABS-CBN acquisition was timed days before Mother’s Day and featured nostalgic photos of toddler Leviste accompanying his mother on-air. Despite their public prominence, Leviste maintains a low-key personal lifestyle. He has no known controversies and upholds a reputation for integrity and transparency.

Awards and Recognitions

Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia (2016) – Energy & Industry
* IFC Sustainable Energy Finance Award (2016) * Asian Power Awards: Solar Power Project of the Year, Independent Power Producer of the Year

Legacy and Vision

Leandro Leviste represents a new generation of Filipino leaders—young, bold, and driven by innovation. From making solar energy mainstream in the Philippines to reshaping Batangas' political landscape, his work continues to inspire investors, entrepreneurs, and public servants alike. With a promising plan to build the world's largest solar farm, provide student allowances nationwide, and expand sustainable industries in the country, Leviste remains a force to watch in both the boardroom and the halls of Congress.