Loren Legarda ‘Serious’ Illness Keeps Her Away From the Senate
LOREN LEGARDA – A serious illness is reportedly keeping Loren Legarda away from the Senate, with Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian providing an update on her condition.
Sen. Loren Legarda has been absent from the Senate since late July as she undergoes treatment for what Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian described as a “serious illness.”
Gatchalian gave the update on Thursday, August 27, as reporters asked about Legarda’s expected return to the Senate. The senator has repeatedly extended her medical leave, with her latest filing covering September 1 to 2.
Legarda originally requested medical leave from August 3 to 5. This was followed by extensions covering August 11 to 12, August 17 to 19, and August 24 to 26. Her continued absence has raised questions about her health and when she will be able to resume her legislative duties.
According to Gatchalian, Legarda has also chosen not to receive her salary while she remains on medical leave.
“She’s been filing her medical leave. She also has not been receiving her salary,” Gatchalian said in mixed English and Filipino.
The Senate president also acknowledged that he has personal knowledge of Legarda’s condition, noting their friendship outside the Senate.
“We’re personal friends as well so she’s shared that she had a serious illness,” he added.
Legarda previously addressed reports surrounding her absence in an August 18 statement. She appealed to the public to be “discerning” amid what she described as “false allegations” concerning her medical leave and reports that she had traveled overseas.
Records from the Bureau of Immigration confirmed that Legarda and her son, Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste, departed the Philippines on August 2. They reportedly traveled separately through Hong Kong before heading to France.
Her absence has also occurred amid a significant legal issue involving her and her son. On July 31, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla ordered a preliminary investigation into complaints involving Legarda, Leviste, and former Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi.
The complaints include non-bailable plunder and several counts of graft. Investigators allege that the three worked together to obtain exclusive government rights over solar energy resources in the Philippines.
Legarda and Leviste have denied any wrongdoing.
For now, Legarda remains on medical leave, while questions about her health, Senate return, and the legal complaints against her continue to draw public attention.
READ ALSO: Loren Legarda Seeks Stricter Laws Following Zamboanga School Shooting
