Loren Legarda: Ombudsman graft, plunder raps ‘utterly false, baseless’

Senator Loren Legarda on Friday declared that the graft and plunder allegations against her and her son, Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, concerning the "ghost electricity" issue are "utterly false and baseless." Legarda stated that they have not received any official communication from the Office of the Ombudsman regarding any preliminary investigation. However, she firmly denied the reported allegations as "utterly false and baseless." The allegations stem from issues related to opaque transactions in power supply and the alleged payment for non-existent electricity supply, termed "ghost electricity." In the Philippines, transparency and efficiency in power infrastructure and its operations have long been a concern, with rising electricity costs being a constant public interest issue directly impacting citizens' lives. Senator Legarda acknowledged the importance of her public office and the trust of the people. She indicated her intention to respond calmly and sincerely through legal proceedings regarding the allegations. It remains to be seen whether the Ombudsman's office will proceed with a formal investigation.