Ombudsman Flags Legarda's Leave, Leviste Trip as 'Suspicious' in P10-B Solar Probe

In a recent ANC 24/7 "The World Tonight" report, the Office of the Ombudsman publicly flagged the extended medical leave of Senator Loren Legarda and the two-month foreign trip of her son, Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste, as "quite suspicious" amid an ongoing corruption probe. The development marks a significant escalation in a case that has gripped Philippine politics, raising questions about accountability, privilege, and the reach of anti-graft bodies. For ordinary Filipinos watching from Manila to Davao, the spectacle of a sitting senator and a congressman facing scrutiny over their travel plans while under investigation strikes at the heart of public trust in the country's political class.

Ombudsman Flags Legarda, Leviste Travel as 'Suspicious' Amid P10-Billion Solar Probe

Manila, Philippines – today — The Office of the Ombudsman has formally raised red flags over the extended medical leave of Senator Loren Legarda and the lengthy foreign trip of her son, Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste, as the agency deepens its preliminary investigation into P10-billion plunder and graft complaints. In a press conference on Tuesday, Assistant Ombudsman and spokesperson Mico Clavano revealed that the agency is treating the prolonged absences with caution, even as Legarda dismissed the accusations as baseless and politically motivated.

The Ombudsman's Suspicion — What Was Said

Assistant Ombudsman Clavano told reporters that Senator Legarda's repeated extensions of her travel authority for medical reasons have become a point of concern for the agency. "Senator Loren Legarda is on her I believe third or fourth extension of her travel authority for medical reasons, which we have begun to find quite suspicious already," Clavano said. The statement came as the Ombudsman, headed by Jesus Crispin Remulla, continues to weigh whether the senator's absence from the country is hampering the ongoing probe.

Clavano also detailed the travel authority granted to Representative Leviste, which covers a two-month period. "We were able to obtain a travel authority wherein he asked for two months of leave no from July 26 to September 24. He listed several countries that he would want to or he intended to visit," Clavano explained. The Ombudsman spokesperson stressed that the agency needs to flag these movements because there is an active case before the Office of the Ombudsman, and it wants to err on the side of caution.

When asked about reports that Legarda and Leviste were in France, Clavano did not rule out the possibility of seeking asylum, noting that political persecution would be the only ground they could invoke. On the matter of passports, Clavano said that if the prolonged absence continues and they can be considered fugitives from justice, "then that is the time that we will move for the cancellation of their passports." The Ombudsman is also about to issue an order directing both Legarda and Leviste to file their counter-affidavits in the preliminary investigation.

The P10-Billion Solar Probe — The Core Allegations

The controversy stems from complaints filed before the Office of the Ombudsman on July 31, alleging plunder and graft in connection with the alleged failure of Leviste's renewable energy firm, Solar Para sa Bayan Corporation (SPBC), to deliver solar power as mandated by its congressional franchise. The complaints center on so-called "ghost" or "ghost electricity" solar energy projects valued at more than P10 billion. SPBC allegedly failed to construct and provide electric power to customers in remote, unviable, unserved, or underserved areas as provided under the company's 2019 franchise, which Congress granted under Republic Act 11357.

The Department of Energy has also filed a separate complaint against Leviste and five officials of SPBC before the Department of Justice for alleged violations of the Public Service Act. The twin complaints — one at the Ombudsman and one at the DOJ — place Leviste, a prominent figure in the renewable energy sector, at the center of a legal storm that could have far-reaching implications for the industry and for public confidence in government-issued franchises.

Legarda's Whereabouts and Leave — A Timeline of Absence

According to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Senator Legarda left for France while Representative Leviste flew to Hong Kong on separate flights on August 2. Legarda has been absent from both Senate sessions and the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte since August 3, after leaving the country. Her medical leaves, as confirmed by the Senate secretary, cover August 3-5, August 11-12, and most recently August 17-19. Leviste's approved travel period aligns with the House session calendar, with reports indicating he left the country on August 2 after appearing at the House on July 29.

The timing of these travels has drawn scrutiny, particularly because they occurred ahead of an NBI subpoena in a separate "honey trap" probe involving Legarda and Leviste. In early August, both flew to France before the subpoena was issued, a move that drew scrutiny given the timing of the legal developments. Legarda has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in both matters, but the pattern of travel coinciding with legal developments has fueled public suspicion.

Legarda's Defense — 'Absolutely No Wrongdoing'

Senator Legarda issued a statement on August 18 pushing back against the Ombudsman's remarks. "I have filed a medical leave with the Senate, in accordance with Senate rules. Neither I nor anyone else deserves to be subjected to unfounded accusations over the exercise of one's legal rights. I have committed absolutely no wrongdoing," she said. Legarda also urged the public to be discerning, adding, "I remain confident that once the facts come out, we will be vindicated." Her statement, however, did not indicate when she plans to return to the country.

In an earlier statement from late July or early August, Legarda had already dismissed the allegations as a smear. "This baseless allegation is a smear on my person that is totally undeserved. We have not received any communication from the Office of the Ombudsman regarding the reported preliminary investigation but I can categorically state that the reported accusations are utterly false and baseless," she said at the time. The senator's insistence on her innocence stands in stark contrast to the Ombudsman's growing unease over her extended absence.

Philippine Context — Privilege, Accountability, and the Rule of Law

This case resonates deeply in the Philippines, where the public has long grappled with questions of political privilege and accountability. The sight of a senator and a congressman — mother and son — traveling abroad while under investigation evokes memories of past controversies involving elected officials who appeared to evade scrutiny. For many Filipinos, the issue is not just about the specific allegations against Legarda and Leviste, but about whether the legal system can hold powerful figures accountable regardless of their status.

The Ombudsman's decision to publicly flag the travel arrangements is a notable departure from its usual cautious approach. By naming the senator and her son and detailing their movements, the agency is signaling that it will not tolerate perceived attempts to delay or obstruct the investigation. This is a critical moment for the Office of the Ombudsman under Jesus Crispin Remulla, as it seeks to demonstrate its independence and effectiveness in a political environment where such probes are often met with skepticism.

Impact on Filipinos — Trust, Energy, and the Cost of Delay

Beyond the political drama, the case has tangible implications for ordinary Filipinos. The allegations against SPBC involve the failure to provide electricity to remote and underserved communities — areas that were promised solar power under a franchise granted by Congress. If the allegations are proven, it would mean that communities in far-flung provinces were left in the dark while a company with political connections collected billions. For families in these areas, the promise of reliable electricity is not a luxury but a necessity that affects education, health, and economic opportunity.

The delay in the investigation, compounded by the extended absences of the key figures, prolongs the uncertainty for these communities. It also erodes public trust in the franchise system, which is supposed to serve the public interest. The Department of Energy's separate complaint before the DOJ underscores the seriousness of the allegations, but the resolution of these cases could take years, leaving affected communities in limbo.

Reactions and Responses — Political Fallout

The Ombudsman's statements have already sparked reactions across the political spectrum. Critics of Legarda and Leviste have seized on the timing of their travels, while Legarda herself has framed the allegations as politically motivated, pointing to what she called the "timing and nature" of the accusations against her. The Senate's decision to cancel the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte for a second day due to projected heavy rainfall has added another layer of complexity, as Legarda's absence from the trial has been noted by her colleagues.

The Zamboanga school shooting, which was also covered in the same ANC 24/7 broadcast, serves as a grim reminder of the many crises facing the nation — from violence in schools to soaring global fuel prices driven by Middle East tensions. In this context, the Legarda-Leviste saga may seem like a distraction, but it is precisely these kinds of cases that test the public's faith in the government's ability to uphold the law.

What to Watch For

In the coming days, the Office of the Ombudsman is expected to issue an order directing Legarda and Leviste to file their counter-affidavits. How they respond — and whether they return to the country to face the investigation — will be closely watched. The possibility of passport cancellation looms if they are deemed fugitives from justice, a move that would escalate the matter significantly.

For now, the ball is in the court of the senator and her son. Their next moves will determine whether this becomes a test of the Ombudsman's resolve or a case study in how the powerful navigate the legal system. For the Filipino public, the outcome will send a clear message about whether accountability is truly for everyone, or only for those without political connections.

As the investigation unfolds, one thing is certain: the eyes of the nation are on the Ombudsman, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. The resolution of this case will not only affect the futures of Legarda and Leviste but will also shape public perception of the country's commitment to the rule of law.

This article was produced with AI-assisted research and editorial support. Sources: ANC 24/7, The Manila Times, GMA News, Abogado.com.ph, Bilyonaryo News Channel.

By Bella Reyes, Staff Writer