Senator Loren Legarda extends Senate leave as Ombudsman continues P10.4 billion probe

Senator Loren Legarda will remain on medical leave until September 16, marking her fifth consecutive absence extension as the Office of the Ombudsman intensifies its graft probe into alleged P10.44-billion solar power project irregularities.

Senate Secretary Renato Bantug confirmed Monday (September 7) that Legarda filed for additional leave covering September 7–9 and September 14–16. Legarda originally took leave from August 3 to 5.

Her recurring three-day extensions—consistently spanning Monday through Wednesday—coincide with the scheduled days for the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, and Senator Panfilo Lacson have all stated that Legarda is receiving treatment for a serious lung condition.

Legarda, however, has not publicly addressed her medical state.

The prolonged absence drew sharp criticism Monday from Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, who openly questioned whether Legarda and her son, Batangas Representative Leandro Leviste, intend to return to the Philippines.

Remulla said the preliminary investigation will move forward regardless of their location.

The anti-graft body is investigating Legarda, Leviste, and former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co over P10.44 billion in alleged anomalies tied to government-awarded solar energy projects.

Remulla disclosed plans to fly to France on Friday to coordinate with French authorities following reports that Legarda, Leviste, and Co are currently in the country.

He added that the agency is weighing precautionary measures—including passport-related actions—to ensure they remain accessible to law enforcement.

-Paraluman News