Education
He graduated from the Lyceum of the Philippines in 1959 and the president of the Batangas Varsitarian,a reputable organization of Batangueño students.
He graduated from the Lyceum of the Philippines in 1959 and the president of the Batangas Varsitarian,a reputable organization of Batangueño students.
Leviste was sentenced to six years in prison for the murder of his long-time aide, Rafael de las Alas. Leviste served his sentence at the National Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa and on December 6, 2013, he was released after his parole was granted. He was an advocate of the environment.
He initiated a forest ecosystem management program which today continues to be a model in reforestation that made him earn the coveted "Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines" (TOYM) award for Public Administration.
He was chosen the "Realtor of the Year" by the Business Writers Association of the Philippines and served as the director in various government agencies, including the People"s Homesite and Housing Corporation (now the NHA), Philippine Ports Authority, Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation, Semirara Mining Corporation and the Philippine Tourism Authority. He also served as Chairman of the Philippine Leisure and Retirement Authority.
He holds the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the Philippine Navy Reserve Force and is the Honorary Consul General of the State of Palestine.
He is the chief executive officer of the Leviste Group of Companies, a real estate firm engaged in housing, subdivision, condominium and resort development.
Leviste had admitted responsibility for de las Alas" death, claiming he only fired in self-defence. The Makati City Regional Trial Court sentenced him to six to twelve years in prison. Leviste is now serving his sentence at the National Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa.
On December 6, 2013, Leviste was released after six years in prison after his parole has been granted.
During his term as Governor of Batangas, he was elected member of the Batasang Bayan chairman of the Regional Development Council, Vice President of the League of Governors and City Mayors, and chairman of the Program for Forest Ecosystem Management.