The Office of the Ombudsman is taking a closer look at the overseas absences of Sen. Loren Legarda and her son, Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, as both face a preliminary investigation over alleged irregularities involving solar energy projects.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said Leviste had sought travel authority covering July 26 to September 24 and listed several countries in his request.
Legarda, meanwhile, had repeatedly extended her medical leave and travel authority, with the latest period lasting until August 19. Clavano said the pattern had begun to raise concern within the anti-graft office because of the pending case.
The probe involves plunder and graft complaints against Legarda, Leviste and former Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi over allegations tied to solar energy contracts and government-granted rights.
Investigators alleged that several projects awarded under the arrangements were not carried out as promised, while financial obligations to the government remained unpaid.
The Ombudsman placed the unpaid obligations from terminated contracts at more than Php 10.44 billion. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has separately said the broader potential losses could reach hundreds of billions of pesos.
Clavano said the anti-graft office could no longer seek a travel restriction from the Sandiganbayan while Legarda and Leviste were already abroad. Any stronger court action, including measures involving passports, would depend on whether cases are eventually filed.
Legarda has denied the allegations, calling them false and baseless. The investigation remains at the preliminary stage, and no final finding of liability has been issued.
