QUEZON CITY, Philippines — Senator Loren Legarda is looking forward to returning to the country after receiving medical treatment in France, according to her spokesperson, Atty. Antonio “Tony” La Viña.
Speaking at a media forum on Friday, September 25, La Viña explained that Legarda underwent care for a lung condition, which had recently worsened due to stress. He noted that her son, Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste, accompanied her abroad to assist with her medical needs.
“That’s why she’s taking the opportunity to have this,” La Viña said.
“Leandro is with her, assisting her with her medical needs. As you know, Leandro is her main family now. So that’s what they’re doing,” he added.
Legarda, who was last seen attending Senate plenary sessions on July 29, has extended her medical leave through October 9.
Her absence coincided with allegations involving both lawmakers over plunder and graft complaints linked to unfinished solar energy projects valued at ₱10.44 billion. Both Legarda and Leviste have rejected the claims.
Addressing speculation regarding the trip, La Viña clarified that the senator has no reason to avoid returning, noting that no formal charges have been filed in court.
“She wants to come, she’s eager to come home. And it’s very important to note, there’s no reason why she can’t come home or why she can’t be stopped if she wants to leave,” La Viña said.
“There’s no reason because no case has been filed against her yet. It’s not true that she ran away to avoid arrest the next day,” he added.
The spokesperson also questioned the basis of the accusations raised by the Office of the Ombudsman, insisting that no public funds were misused or pocketed.
“First of all, no government money was taken and pocketed by Senator Loren or Representative Leandro. There was no plunder; no government funds were misappropriated in any of the projects. That must be very clear to us,” La Viña said.
Calling for a fair assessment of the facts, La Viña urged the public and authorities to examine documentary evidence as the matter moves through proper legal channels.
“For those who don’t believe or are skeptical, I ask only for an open mind, di ba? You want receipts? We have receipts,” La Viña said.