Metro Manila, Philippines – The Bureau of Immigration confirmed that Senator Loren Legarda and Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste left the country on Aug. 2, amid a preliminary investigation into the mother-and-son duo over plunder and graft complaints into Leviste’s solar energy projects.
“The office confirms the departure of Sen. Loren Legarda and Rep. Leandro Leviste in separate flights last August 2. Both had no derogatory records at the time of departure,” it said on Friday, Aug. 7.
Senate Secretary Rey Bantug said Legarda filed for medical leave from Aug. 3 to Aug. 5.
Senate President Win Gatchalian, meanwhile, said that he had no information about her departure as senators do not need travel authority for personal trips.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said Legarda, Leviste, and former Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi conspired to secure government rights over the solar energy resources through legislative and regulatory actions. They are the subject of a preliminary investigation.
READ: Legarda, Leviste face plunder, graft complaints for solar projects
Meanwhile, Leviste was allegedly involved in a “honeytrap” scheme targeting Acting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto and other government officials.
The supposed plot entailed the hiring of four women to lure Recto into a compromising situation and accuse him of sexual misconduct.
