Metro Manila, Philippines – The Office of the Ombudsman has flagged the continuing absence of Sen. Loren Legarda and her son, Batangas 1st district Rep. Leandro Leviste, as they face a plunder probe over a solar project franchise, raising a possible passport cancellation move should they further extend their stay abroad.
“If there is a prolonged absence, we can consider them fugitives from justice, and that is the time we will move for the cancellation of their passports,” Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said in a press briefing on Tuesday, Aug. 18.
A passport cancellation needs a court order.
Clavano said Legarda obtained travel authority until Aug. 19, and Leviste until Sept. 24.
Legarda had requested for an extension of her medical leave for three consecutive weeks, which Clavano said the ombudsman found “quite suspicious.”
“On the one hand, you have a congressman who has left the country for an intended two months, visiting all these countries. On the other hand, you have a senator who has constantly extended her travel leave or her medical leave,” said Clavano.
“Kailangan na namin i-flag ‘yan dahil meron na siyang ongoing case dito sa Office of the Ombudsman,” he added.
[Translation: We have to flag that because she has an ongoing case here at the Office of the Ombudsman.]
The Bureau of Immigration previously said Legarda and Leviste exited in separate flights on Aug. 2, two days ahead of the ombudsman announcement of its preliminary investigation for plunder and graft complaints against the two.
This was in connection with Leviste’s solar energy projects as a private person, which the ombudsman said resulted in ₱10 billion in obligations to the government. Ombudsman Boying Remulla, meanwhile, accused Legarda of undue influence when she was Senate finance committee chairperson for Leviste’s company to secure a franchise. The senator had denied the allegation.
Where are the lawmakers
Clavano said based on the agency’s information, the two were in France.
He added that it is possible the two may seek political asylum with the French government for supposed political persecution.
He said the ombudsman has not yet formally communicated with the Department of Foreign Affairs about the possible passport cancellation as the lawmakers have a valid travel authority.
Clavano reiterated Remulla’s remarks that the ombudsman is expecting Legarda and Leviste to come home.
“Hindi naman natin sinasabi na tuloy tuloy na talaga ito… [We are not saying the case will already be filed] We want to see their defense, we want to see their counter affidavit,” said Clavano.
NewsWatch Plus has reached out to the offices of Legarda and Leviste for comment.
