MANILA, Philippines — Senator Loren Legarda’s continued absence from the Philippines is drawing renewed scrutiny from the Office of the Ombudsman as the agency presses ahead with its preliminary investigation into alleged irregularities involving more than P10.44 billion in solar energy projects.
Legarda has been on medical leave since August 3 and has repeatedly extended her absence. Senate Secretary Renato Bantug previously confirmed that her latest leave covers September 7–9 and September 14–16, effectively keeping her away from the Senate until September 16.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has publicly questioned whether Legarda and her son, Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste, will return to the Philippines while the investigation is underway.
Remulla said Legarda and Leviste are believed to be in Paris, although they have also traveled to Switzerland. He has also announced plans to coordinate with French authorities concerning individuals facing investigations or cases in the Philippines.
Why Legarda’s leave is under scrutiny
The controversy intensified after Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano described Legarda’s repeated medical-leave extensions as “suspicious,” particularly because they occurred while she and Leviste were facing an Ombudsman investigation.
Legarda has rejected that characterization, saying she filed her medical leave in accordance with Senate rules and insisting that she committed no wrongdoing.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian has also said Legarda told him she was dealing with a serious illness, while other senators have referred to her condition as a lung-related illness. Legarda herself has not publicly disclosed detailed medical information about her condition.
Ombudsman investigation moves forward
Despite the dispute over her absence, the underlying investigation is continuing.
The Ombudsman has ordered Legarda and Leviste to answer plunder and graft complaints connected to alleged failures by Leviste-linked renewable-energy businesses to fulfill commitments involving solar projects. The agency has cited alleged unpaid obligations amounting to about P10.44 billion.
On Friday, September 11, Remulla confirmed that Legarda and Leviste had submitted their counter-affidavits. Although he said the filings were late, he emphasized that the Ombudsman would still consider them as part of due process.
However, Remulla said investigators could face difficulties if they need to ask the two lawmakers additional questions while they remain overseas.
The Ombudsman has 60 days to conduct the preliminary investigation before the case proceeds to resolution, according to Remulla.
Legarda camp pushes back
Legarda’s new spokesperson, lawyer and environmental advocate Tony La Viña, has strongly rejected the allegations.
He said a review of the case convinced him that Legarda and Leviste committed no illegal or improper acts involving Leviste’s solar-energy businesses. He characterized the investigation as “lawfare” and alleged political persecution.
La Viña also argued that Legarda has no corporate ownership or management role in Solar Para sa Bayan Corp. or other Solar Philippines companies. He maintained that the congressional franchise involved was non-exclusive, did not provide a government subsidy and that Legarda did not vote for its passage.
Legarda has likewise maintained that the accusations are “false and baseless” and has denied benefiting from government funds.
The timeline behind the controversy
The National Bureau of Investigation confirmed that Legarda and Leviste left the Philippines on August 2, traveling separately. PNA reported at the time that both were cleared to leave because they had no derogatory records.
Legarda subsequently began her medical leave on August 3 and repeatedly extended it. By September, her absence had become a significant issue not only for the Ombudsman investigation but also for Senate operations.
The Senate Finance Committee has warned that agencies assigned to Legarda could be redistributed to other vice chairpersons if her absence continues to interfere with the chamber’s 2027 budget hearings.
Important accuracy check
It is important not to report that Legarda is refusing to return to the Philippines as an established fact.
The statement that she is “unwilling” or “may not return” comes from remarks and concerns expressed by Ombudsman officials. Legarda has cited medical reasons for her continued leave, while her camp has denied wrongdoing in the solar-energy investigation.
There is also a separate viral claim that Legarda said she would refuse to return to work until the cases against her son were withdrawn. VERA Files found that claim to be fake, and reported that there were no official records supporting the supposed statement.
What happens next?
For now, the Ombudsman investigation continues while Legarda remains on extended medical leave abroad. Both Legarda and Leviste have submitted their counter-affidavits, but investigators say their continued absence could complicate efforts to obtain further explanations.
The next major question is whether Legarda will return to the Philippines after her latest leave period ends on September 16 — and whether the Ombudsman will require her personal participation as the preliminary investigation moves toward resolution.
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