By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Loren Legarda on Friday acknowledged taking an official medical leave from the Senate earlier this month, while firmly rejecting any attempt to connect her overseas travel with the ongoing Ombudsman investigation into the alleged P10-billion ghost solar projects that also implicate her son, Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste, and former Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi.
The veteran lawmaker issued the clarification after the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) disclosed that both she and Leviste had left the Philippines on Aug. 2, fueling public speculation over the timing of their departure as authorities continue a preliminary investigation into the high-profile corruption complaint.
Legarda said her absence from the Senate was fully documented and complied with chamber rules.
“I confirm that I filed a formal medical leave with the Senate covering August 3 to 5, 2026.”
She stressed that the leave had been formally submitted through the Office of the Senate Secretary, following established procedures.
Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. earlier confirmed that Legarda’s chief of staff transmitted a letter on Aug. 3 informing his office that the senator would be on medical leave from Aug. 3 to 5.
The clarification came hours after NBI Director Melvin Matibag publicly confirmed that both Legarda and Leviste had departed the country before the leave period began.
According to Matibag, Leviste traveled to Hong Kong, while Legarda boarded a separate flight that also transited through Hong Kong before proceeding to France.
Despite acknowledging her trip, Legarda urged the public not to draw conclusions linking her travel to the Ombudsman proceedings.
The allegations are “false and baseless” and have “undeservedly besmirched a reputation that I built over decades of public service.”
The senator has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the accusations lack factual and legal basis.
Legarda, Leviste and Cusi are currently under preliminary investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman over allegations of graft and plunder arising from purported ghost solar energy projects reportedly valued at more than P10 billion.
A preliminary investigation is conducted to determine whether probable cause exists to elevate complaints into formal criminal charges. No finding of liability has been issued against any of the respondents.
The case has nevertheless drawn heightened public attention after the reported departure of Legarda and Leviste from the country, prompting renewed scrutiny from both investigators and the public. With the Ombudsman proceedings still underway, the legal process is expected to determine whether the allegations will advance to full prosecution or be dismissed for lack of sufficient evidence.
ia/xf
