Senate chief says senator has serious illness; allegations remain under preliminary investigation
MANILA – The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered Sen. Loren Legarda to submit a counter-affidavit in a preliminary investigation into allegations tied to solar-energy projects, as the agency continues to question the timing of her repeated medical-leave filings while she remains overseas.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said Aug. 28 that the order had been issued to Legarda and her son, Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste. Clavano questioned the sequence of Legarda’s medical-leave notices, saying that if her condition was serious, he expected one longer leave request rather than repeated extensions.
His comments reflected the Ombudsman’s assessment and did not establish that Legarda’s illness or leave was improper.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said a day earlier that Legarda had told him she was dealing with a “serious illness.” He declined to disclose details, describing the matter as personal, and said he did not know when she expected to return.
Gatchalian also said Legarda has not been receiving her Senate salary while on medical leave.
Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. confirmed that Legarda’s latest notice covers Aug. 24 to 26 and Sept. 1 to 2. Earlier notices covered Aug. 3 to 5, Aug. 11 to 12 and Aug. 17 to 19.
Legarda has said her medical leave was filed in accordance with Senate rules. She has separately rejected the solar allegations as false and baseless, said no public funds were involved and maintained that she is prepared to present evidence.
The Ombudsman is investigating complaints alleging violations of the Plunder Law, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees involving Legarda, Leviste and former Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi.
The agency alleges that legislative and regulatory actions helped secure government rights over solar-energy resources for companies associated with Leviste and that projects covered by service contracts were not developed as promised.
The Ombudsman has cited more than P10.44 billion in unpaid financial obligations to the government arising from terminated contracts. The allegations have not been adjudicated in court.
The Bureau of Immigration previously confirmed that Legarda left the Philippines on Aug. 2 and had no derogatory immigration record at the time.
The counter-affidavit order gives Legarda an opportunity to formally answer the allegations and submit controverting evidence before the preliminary investigation is resolved.
