Loren Legarda Urges Public Not to Draw Unwarranted Conclusions on Travel Amid Probe

Senator Loren Legarda on Friday urged the public not to draw "unwarranted conclusions" from her travel abroad amidst an investigation into alleged graft and plunder charges against her and her son, Batangas lawmaker Leandro Leviste. In a Facebook post, Legarda confirmed she filed a formal medical leave with the Senate covering August 3 to 5, 2026, in accordance with Senate rules. "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," she said. Regarding the Ombudsman investigation, Legarda stated, "All my public life since 1998, I have always upheld my integrity, which I value dearly. This baseless allegation is a smear on my person that is totally undeserved. No public funds were involved. We are prepared to bring out the truth." Legarda also urged the public to be discerning, "especially in light of the timing and nature of these allegations." She added, "We remain confident that once the facts are laid bare, we will be vindicated and our names cleared." In a separate interview, Senator Erwin Tulfo said Legarda had asked for permission prior to leaving, which is why she was absent from the last impeachment hearing. The mother-son lawmakers are facing complaints for plunder and graft in connection with the alleged failure by Leviste’s renewable energy firm to provide solar power, as mandated in its congressional franchise. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla explained that Legarda is included in the case because Leviste was able to secure the franchise while she was the Senate Finance chair in 2019. Remulla expressed confidence that Legarda and Leviste will return to the Philippines. "Babalik ‘yan. Babalik ‘yan. Naniniwala kami na babalik," he said. He added that there would be consequences if the mother and son decide not to return. "Baka gusto nilang umuwi na nakaposas ‘pag hindi sila bumalik, hindi ba?" Remulla said. Source: GMA News Philippines