ILOILO City – Sen. Loren Legarda’s prolonged absence from the Senate could stretch further as she awaits additional medical examinations abroad, leaving her return to legislative duties uncertain amid an ongoing Ombudsman investigation involving her and her son.
Antique’s Cong. Antonio “AA” Legarda, the senator’s younger brother, said his sister was eager to return to the Philippines and resume public service but could not yet travel home because of pending laboratory tests and medical checkups.
“She’s eager to come back. Gusto na niya talaga. Pero meron pang ibang laboratory tests that I know have to be waited, meron pang mga check-up and she has to wait for that. She wants to come back already and serve again,” the congressman said in an interview.
Legarda has been on medical leave since August 3, with Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. confirming on October 15 that she had requested another extension of her absence.
The latest extension has prolonged her absence from Senate proceedings, including those related to the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Her continued stay abroad also coincides with an investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman into allegations involving the senator and her son, Batangas congressman Leandro Leviste, in connection with solar energy projects.
Despite the controversies and health concerns, the congressman said his sister remained in good spirits and continued to closely monitor political and community developments in Antique.
He said they maintained regular communication, with the senator frequently asking about developments in the province and the activities of local officials.
The congressman said he had been updating her on his discussions with municipal mayors, whom he described as continuing to express confidence in and support for her leadership.
According to him, the expressions of support from local officials have helped strengthen the senator’s spirits as she deals with her health concerns and the controversies surrounding her.
He also appealed to the public to extend their prayers and support to his sister during what he described as a difficult period.
“I just want to ask everyone of us to support her in one way or another, to pray for her, especially at this time. I hope she weathers the storms,” he said.
“Alam naman natin may katapusan lahat ’to and truth will prevail,” he added.
The congressman expressed confidence in his sister’s commitment to public service and hoped she would soon be able to resume her responsibilities as a senator.
However, despite her reported eagerness to return, Legarda has not publicly announced a definite date for her arrival in the Philippines./PN
