MANILA, Philippines — Senator Loren Legarda has prolonged her absence from the Senate through the second week of October, extending a nearly two-month medical leave that has kept her away from key legislative proceedings.
Senate Secretary Renato Bantug confirmed Monday, September 21, that Legarda submitted leave requests spanning September 21 to 23, September 28 to October 2, and October 5 to 9.
The new filings build on a series of previous absences. Legarda initially took medical leave from August 3 to 5, August 11 to 12, and August 17 to 19, before securing subsequent extensions through August 26, September 2, and September 16.
Her ongoing leave has prevented her attendance at Senate plenary sessions, committee meetings, budget deliberations, and the impeachment trial involving Vice President Sara Duterte.
According to Senate President Win Gatchalian and fellow lawmakers, Legarda is receiving medical care for a lung condition.
National Bureau of Investigation records confirmed she departed the country for France on August 2, one day prior to the start of her initial leave.
The lawmaker’s extended absence coincides with a preliminary investigation conducted by the Office of the Ombudsman involving her and her son, Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste.
The inquiry centers on allegations involving solar energy projects linked to Leviste’s firm, valued at over ₱10 billion, which allegedly failed to supply power under its congressional franchise.
Legarda has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that her leaves fully adhere to Senate protocol.
Meanwhile, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano previously questioned the repeated extensions occurring alongside the active probe.