Metro Manila, Philippines — Senator Loren Legarda has a serious illness, Senate President Win Gatchalian said, noting that the lawmaker has not been receiving her salary since taking medical leave nearly a month ago.
Gatchalian disclosed this to reporters when asked for an update on Legarda during a chance interview on Thursday, Aug. 27.
“Nagfa-file siya ng medical leave. Hindi rin niya kinukuha ‘yung kanyang sweldo [She has been filing medical leave. She also has not been receiving her salary],” Gatchalian said.
Asked if he was aware of Legarda’s medical condition, Gatchalian said yes but declined to provide details.
“Alam ko yung kanyang sakit even prior to this. We’re personal friends as well so nasabi niya ‘yun na meron siyang sakit na seryoso,” Gatchalian said.
[Translation: I knew about her illness even before this. We are also personal friends, so she told me that she has a serious illness.]
Legarda first filed for leave for the week of Aug. 3, when she also confirmed that she had left the country. She has since extended her leave to next week, making it a month-long absence.
Legarda earlier called on the public not to read into her leave, denying that it is connected to the preliminary investigation she is facing over her alleged role in the solar energy projects of her son, Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste.
Gatchalian noted that, aside from Legarda, other absent senators have also not been receiving their salaries. Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta are detained while facing plunder charges, while Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa is in hiding amid an International Criminal Court warrant of arrest.
