Claire Castro Demands Massive Mayout as Libel Battle w/ Leviste Intensifies
CLAIRE CASTRO – A high-profile legal feud is making headlines as Claire Castro pushes back with a staggering financial claim against Leandro Leviste.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro is seeking P500 million in damages from Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste in connection with an ongoing libel case between the two parties.
The dispute stems from a complaint filed earlier this year, with both sides now presenting their respective claims and defenses. Castro confirmed that she has already submitted her reply, which includes a counterclaim explaining the substantial amount she is demanding.
“I already filed my reply and as part of my counter claim, I am asking for a P500 million na danyos, kaka-file ko lang ng answer,” said Castro.
According to the Palace official, she has decided to personally handle her legal defense instead of hiring separate counsel. This move highlights her confidence in addressing the accusations filed against her by Leviste.
The case traces back to January 2026, when Leviste filed a libel complaint against Castro over statements she allegedly made about him. The lawmaker insisted that his actions were not meant to harm but to protect his reputation from repeated public remarks.
“Hindi ko naman pong nais na masaktan si Usec. Claire Casto ngunit kailangan ko lang pong depensahan ang aking pangalan. Dahil naka ilang vlog na po siya tungkol sa akin,” said Leviste.
He also emphasized that the filing of the case was made upon legal advice, citing the grounds presented by his counsel.
“At ayon po sa advice ng aking lawyer, maraming salamat po kay Atty. (Ferdinand) Topacio sa kanyang guidance, napakarami pong grounds to file a case on Usec. Claire Castro for libel,” the Congressman said.
In response to Castro’s counterclaim, Leviste took to social media to address the issue, particularly the significant amount being sought as damages. He questioned the demand while also offering a seemingly conciliatory gesture.
“Humihingi si USec. Claire Castro na bayaran ko siya dahil sa ‘sleepless nights and anxiety’ na dulot umano ng kasong isinampa ko laban sa kanya.
“Wala akong obligasyong bayaran siya. Pero kung kailangan niyang magpagamot ngayon, bukal sa loob kong sagutin ang kanyang gastusin sa ospital,” wrote in Leviste’s post.
As the legal battle continues, both sides remain firm in their positions, setting the stage for a closely watched case involving public officials and issues of accountability, reputation, and freedom of expression.