Senator Loren Legarda confirmed on August 7, 2026, that she filed a medical leave with the Senate covering August 3 to 5, as she sought to dispel public speculation surrounding her recent absence, travel abroad, and her missing presence at the ongoing impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Ombudsman Investigation and Departure Details
The Bureau of Immigration and the National Bureau of Investigation confirmed the departures of both Senator Legarda and her son, Batangas Representative Leandro Leviste, shortly after the Office of the Ombudsman initiated a preliminary investigation. According to Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, authorities expect both individuals to return to the Philippines to face the ongoing inquiry into complaints involving allegations of plunder, graft, and conflict of interest tied to solar power projects.
Representative Leviste departed the country on August 2 on a separate flight, while Legarda’s medical leave covered August 3 to 5. Legarda’s official statement issued on August 7 did not disclose specific travel destinations, flight details, the nature of her medical condition, or any medical treatment. Her absences have drawn heightened public attention because she sits as a senator-judge in the impeachment trial against Vice President Duterte.
Allegations Over Solar Contracts and Corporate Sell-Offs
Government investigators are examining whether Legarda used her legislative position and influence to help her son’s renewable energy firm secure exclusive solar franchises and contracts that ultimately remained unfulfilled. Authorities are specifically probing whether Leviste used those awarded contracts and franchise rights to generate massive profits through corporate sell-offs totaling more than P20 billion in a multi-billion-peso “ghost electricity” scheme.
In response to the mounting scrutiny, Legarda urged the public not to draw unwarranted conclusions or link her medical leave and travel to the allegations. “I ask the public not to draw unwarranted conclusions from my travel or link it to the recent false and baseless allegations, which undeservedly besmirch a reputation that I have built over decades of public service,” Legarda stated. Representative Leviste maintained that no franchise rights were transferred and that Legarda’s legislative actions involved no public funds or wrongdoing.
Did You Know? Senator Legarda filed her Senate medical leave for August 3 to 5, 2026, while concurrently serving as a senator-judge in the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Frequently Asked Questions
What dates did Senator Legarda’s medical leave cover?
Senator Legarda’s medical leave covered August 3 to 5, 2026, according to her statement issued on August 7.
What are the specific allegations against Legarda and her son?
The Office of the Ombudsman is investigating Legarda and Representative Leandro Leviste for alleged graft, plunder, and conflict of interest involving unfulfilled government solar energy contracts and a “ghost electricity” scheme worth over P20 billion in potential corporate sell-off profits.
Did Representative Leviste travel with Senator Legarda?
No. According to the Bureau of Immigration and the National Bureau of Investigation, Representative Leviste left the country on August 2 on a separate flight, while Legarda filed her Senate leave for August 3 to 5.
How will public scrutiny and ongoing investigations shape the accountability of lawmakers involved in renewable energy contracts?
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