MANILA, Philippines — Senator Loren Legarda remains on medical leave and is dealing with what Senate President Win Gatchalian described as a “serious” illness, shedding new light on the veteran lawmaker’s continued absence from Senate proceedings.
Gatchalian told reporters that he was aware of Legarda’s condition because of their personal friendship but stressed that details about her illness should remain private.
According to the Senate leader, Legarda herself had previously told him that she was facing a serious medical condition that required attention.
The senator’s absence has drawn public attention in recent weeks as her medical leave has been extended several times. Reports indicate that her latest leave arrangement keeps her away from Senate duties until early September, although no official return date has been announced.
Legarda Previously Confirmed Medical Leave
Legarda had earlier confirmed that she formally filed for medical leave beginning August 3 to 5, saying she followed Senate rules. She also appealed to the public not to make “unwarranted conclusions” about her medical leave and overseas travel.
The National Bureau of Investigation earlier reported that Legarda traveled to France on August 2. Her travel came amid a separate investigation involving plunder and graft complaints connected to allegations surrounding solar energy projects and her son, Batangas Representative Leandro Leviste.
Legarda has denied wrongdoing and has maintained that allegations against her are false and baseless. Importantly, her medical condition has not been publicly linked by authorities or Senate officials to the investigation, and no specific diagnosis has been disclosed.
Senate Chief Calls Illness a Personal Matter
Gatchalian declined to provide further details about Legarda’s health, emphasizing that the matter is deeply personal.
Other reports also said Legarda has voluntarily declined to receive her salary while she remains away from Senate duties. The Senate President’s remarks have provided the clearest public confirmation so far that her extended absence is connected to a health issue that he characterized as serious.
Legarda, one of the Philippines’ longest-serving and most prominent senators, has yet to publicly disclose the nature of her illness or announce when she expects to fully resume her duties.
For now, questions remain over when she will return to the Senate — while officials close to the situation continue to respect her privacy during what appears to be a difficult time.
As the Senate awaits Loren Legarda’s return, one thing is clear: the full details of the health battle behind her extended absence remain known only to those closest to her.
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