NBI Says Leandro Leviste Is Now Considered a Fugitive
LEANDRO LEVISTE – The legal situation surrounding Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste has intensified after the NBI said he is now considered a fugitive from justice.
Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste is now considered a “fugitive” after a warrant of arrest was issued against him, according to National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. Matibag explained that Leviste remains at large following the issuance of the warrant. He said the court has yet to obtain jurisdiction over the lawmaker unless he voluntarily surrenders or is apprehended by authorities.
“Si Leviste is still considered at large, wala pang jurisdiction ‘yung court sa kanya until such time voluntary mag-surrender siya o ma-aresto siya ng law enforcement,” he said.
The NBI chief also clarified that Leviste’s two co-accused have already posted bail. Unlike his co-accused, however, the congressman has not surrendered to authorities and is reportedly believed to be in France with his mother, Senator Loren Legarda.
Matibag stressed that having an outstanding arrest warrant and being sought by the court places an individual under the classification of a fugitive from justice.
“Considered na you’re fugitive from justice kasi hinahanap ka ng korte, may warrant of arrest na binigay sa’yo. That’s why we will continue to coordinate with Bureau of Immigration, with DFA, and of course, with the House of the Representatives,” he added.
The NBI is expected to continue coordinating with relevant government agencies as authorities monitor Leviste’s status. These include the Bureau of Immigration, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the House of Representatives.
The reported presence of Leviste in France has also drawn attention because of his mother’s whereabouts. Legarda and Leviste reportedly departed the Philippines on separate flights on August 2.
Their departure came only days after the Office of the Ombudsman announced that it was beginning an investigation into possible plunder and graft allegations involving the mother-and-son pair.
The development adds another layer to the ongoing legal proceedings involving Leviste. With the arrest warrant now issued, authorities continue to determine the appropriate steps concerning his apprehension or possible voluntary surrender.
For now, Matibag’s statement indicates that Leviste remains at large and that the NBI will maintain coordination with government agencies in connection with the warrant issued against the lawmaker.
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