MANILA — Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla expressed belief that Senator Loren Legarda and her son, Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste, are choosing to stay abroad rather than return to face impending plunder and graft charges linked to controversial solar energy initiatives.
Speaking on Friday, October 16, Remulla stated that reports from individuals close to both political figures indicate a strong reluctance to face the legal accusations head-on.
“From the accounts of a lot of people who we mutually know, parang ayaw niya na umuwi… kasi kung talagang wala kang kasalanan, humarap ka. Remember… in criminal law, flight is an indication of guilt,” Remulla said.
The anti-graft chief further asserted that the mother and son are actively dodging the judicial process.
“Ang tingin ko, ayaw na niyang umuwi. Tinatakasan nila. Ayaw nilang humarap sa charges,” he added.
The statements emerge as the Office of the Ombudsman prepares to finalize its findings regarding whether to formally lodge criminal complaints against the two legislators before the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court.
The investigation centers on alleged anomalies concerning solar energy ventures tied to Leviste’s renewable enterprise, which reportedly involve roughly ₱10.44 billion in unpaid dues and financial obligations to the state.
Investigators maintain that the mother-and-son tandem colluded to leverage legislative and regulatory influence to land advantageous government deals for the renewable energy projects.
The inquiry has also cast light on a potential conflict of interest involving Legarda, who led the Senate Committee on Finance during the period when Leviste’s firm secured its congressional franchise back in 2019. Both lawmakers have consistently maintained their innocence and denied any involvement in illegal activities.
While Remulla mentioned that his office is close to resolving the case, he withheld any concrete timeline for the filing of charges. Records show that Legarda and Leviste departed the country on separate flights last August, coinciding with the public emergence of the Ombudsman’s inquiry.
Legarda has been on official medical leave from the upper chamber since August 3 due to ongoing treatments for a lung and autoimmune condition, with her absence receiving multiple extensions. Her legal counsel, Atty. Antonio “Tony” La Viña, previously clarified that the senator is receiving medical care in France and intends to fly back to the Philippines as soon as her health permits.
Leviste has remained abroad to assist and accompany his mother throughout her medical treatments.