Senator Loren Legarda has sought moral support from her colleagues as she manages significant health concerns alongside a ₱10.44-billion plunder investigation involving unfinished solar energy projects, according to Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson.
Lacson shared during a Sunday radio interview that he has conversed with Legarda twice, though she gave no indication regarding when or if she will resume her legislative duties.
“Nagkausap kami ni Senator Loren. Twice na kaming nagkakausap. Wala naman siyang nabanggit kung siya ay babalik o hindi,” Lacson said.
“Ang appeal niya sa amin, bilang kasamahan sa Senado, parang humingi lang siya ng moral support,” he added.
Lacson noted that Legarda’s outreach centered on the heavy public scrutiny and personal hurdles she is currently navigating.
“Yung kinalalagyan niya sa ngayon. Siyempre na babash, lahat. Pinapaliwanag niya na meron siya dinaramdam. ‘Yun yung naging tono ng aming usapan. Syempre, nag-express ako ng moral support, ‘I wish you well.’ Sana malampasan niya ‘yung ‘di lang ‘yung kanyang health issues pati ‘yung kinakaharap niyang problema,” Lacson said.
Meanwhile, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla confirmed that Legarda and her son, Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste, have submitted their formal counter-affidavits regarding the inquiry.
The probe follows a prior Department of Energy complaint filed with the Department of Justice against Leviste and five Solar Para sa Bayan Corporation executives over alleged Public Service Act violations.
Remulla stated that the mother and son are currently believed to be in Paris, having also spent time in Switzerland.
Legarda remains on an extended medical leave from the Senate due to a lung ailment, while both she and her son continue to deny all allegations against them.