Politics · Philippines Bureau
Ombudsman office casts doubt on Legarda's extended medical leave
The Office of the Ombudsman spokesperson has continued questioning the medical grounds cited by Senator Loren Legarda for her prolonged absence from the Senate, which has now stretched nearly a month.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — A spokesperson for the Office of the Ombudsman maintained skepticism Monday regarding the official justification provided by Senator Loren Legarda for her extended medical leave, which has lasted almost four weeks.
The Ombudsman's position contradicts an earlier statement from Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, who had vouched for the legitimacy of Legarda's medical condition necessitating her continued absence from legislative duties.
The dispute underscores growing tensions over transparency surrounding the senator's leave of absence. While Gatchalian's endorsement appeared to lend institutional weight to Legarda's medical circumstances, the Ombudsman office's continued questioning suggests unresolved concerns about the actual reasons behind her prolonged absence from the chamber.
Legarda has not publicly detailed the nature of her medical condition or provided additional clarification regarding the expected duration of her leave. The senator's office has not responded to further inquiries about the timeline for her return to Senate proceedings.