World · Philippines Bureau
Ombudsman questions timing of Senator Legarda's reported serious illness
An assistant ombudsman has cast doubt on the circumstances of Senator Loren Legarda's medical leave, which came days after the anti-graft body launched an investigation into the lawmaker and another congressman on plunder and graft charges.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano on Friday expressed skepticism regarding the circumstances of Senator Loren Legarda's reported serious illness, citing the timing of her medical leave filing.
Legarda filed for medical leave on August 3, just days after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla announced that the Office of the Ombudsman had initiated a probe into the senator and Batangas Representative Leandro Leviste for alleged plunder and graft violations.
Clavano's statement suggested possible questions about the relationship between the investigation and Legarda's decision to take leave from her Senate duties. The ombudsman's office has not publicly detailed the specific nature of the allegations against either lawmaker.
The development comes as the anti-graft body intensifies its investigations into public officials facing corruption-related complaints. Legarda has not publicly commented on either the investigation or the circumstances of her medical leave.
The case remains under investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman, with further details expected as the probe progresses.