Loren Legarda and Leandro Leviste are both facing legal issues
Senator Loren Legarda and her son, Batangas Representative Leandro Leviste, may reportedly seek asylum abroad due to potential legal charges they could face in the Philippines.
In July 2026, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla initiated preliminary investigations regarding plunder and graft complaints against Legarda and Leviste.
Legarda is currently facing a preliminary investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman for plunder and graft complaints. Her name is being dragged into the multi-billion peso solar energy contracts.
She is currently in a prolonged medical leave, and allegations surfaced that she might be fleeing the country.
Sen. Loren Legarda’s son, Rep. Leandro Leviste, is also facing a legal complaint. In September 2026, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) filed a complaint for qualified human trafficking with the Department of Justice against Leviste, and six others concerning an alleged “honey trap” conspiracy aimed at Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.
Online news outlet Politiko, recently released a write-up stating that Leviste has reportedly vacated his luxurious unit at Shangri-La at the Fort in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig. It was also alleged that he has begun selling his shares in SP New Energy Corp. (SPNEC), the solar company he founded.
Leviste recently sold SPNEC shares worth P3 billion, reducing his stake to 11.51 percent. This move, combined with the disposal of his BGC condominium unit, has further fueled speculation that he intends to leave the Philippines.
Legarda and Leviste left the country on separate flights on August 2. This was just days after the Office of the Ombudsman announced the commencement of an investigation into possible plunder and graft charges against the mother-and-son duo.
As of this writing, Sen. Loren Legarda and Rep. Leandro Leviste have yet to release a statement about this issue.
