Castro seeks P500M damages vs LevisteMANILA, Philippines — Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said she is seeking P500 million in damages from Rep. Leandro Leviste (Batangas) as part of her counterclaim in an ongoing libel case. "Yes, P500 million damages is part of my compulsory counterclaim… I believe that I deserve and I’m entitled of such damages," she said. She added that the complaint filed against her affected her standing as a Palace official. "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. The dispute stems from a libel complaint Leviste filed in January 2026, accusing Castro of making defamatory statements about his solar business.

Source: Philippine Star March 23, 2026 12:19 UTC