Senator Loren Legarda and her son, Representative Leandro Leviste, have reportedly left the Philippines on August 2, 2026. Their departure was confirmed by the Bureau of Immigration, which stated that both individuals had no derogatory records when they flew out.
Context of Departure Raises Questions
Both had no derogatory records at the time of departure.
Dana Sandoval, Immigration Spokesman
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian stated he was unaware of Legarda's trip but affirmed that senators do not require travel authority for personal trips. This statement came after reports surfaced suggesting that the two had traveled to Hong Kong.
Furthermore, Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. confirmed that Legarda's office had notified the Senate Secretariat of her medical leave from August 3 to 5, 2026. This announcement adds another layer of complexity to her departure.
Legarda and Leviste's exit from the country raises eyebrows amid their ongoing legal issues. They are implicated in graft and plunder complaints tied to solar energy projects that have drawn public scrutiny.