Senator Legarda extends medical leave

Senator Loren Legarda has extended anew her medical leave to cover October 12 and 13, Senate Secretary Renato Bantug said on Wednesday. Legarda did not confirm when she will return to the Senate.

The Senate is currently on a legislative break, with sessions scheduled to resume on Nov. 9.

Legarda has been on extended medical leave since Aug. 3. She was last seen at the Senate during the plenary session on July 29.

Her spokesperson, Atty. Tony La Viña, previously said the senator was receiving medical treatment in France for a lung and autoimmune condition. He also said she needed time to rest because stress and tension could aggravate her condition.

Legarda and her son, Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste, are facing plunder and graft complaints over allegations that the latter's renewable energy company failed to deliver solar power as required under its congressional franchise.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said Legarda was included in the case because Leviste secured the franchise in 2019, when she chaired the Senate Committee on Finance.

Legarda has denied the allegations, maintaining that she has always upheld her integrity.