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Cristina Chi - Philstar.com
August 27, 2026 | 4:09pm
Loren Legarda speaks a senator-judge at the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on July 22, 2026.
Senate PRIB
MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Loren Legarda, who has not shown up at the Senate since late July, is dealing with a "serious illness" and has gone without her salary during her medical leave.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian shared this with reporters on Thursday, August 27, when asked for an update as to when Legarda might return to work.
Legarda extended her medical leave for the fourth time earlier this week, delaying her return to work on September 2. She initially took leave from August 3 to 5, followed by successive extensions for August 11 to 12, August 17 to 19, and August 24 to 26, before filing for leave on September 1 to 2.
“She's been filing her medical leave. She also has not been receiving her salary,” Gatchalian said in mixed English and Filipino.
The Senate president said he's been aware of her medical condition. "We’re personal friends as well so she's shared that she had a serious illness," he added.
In an August 18 statement, Legarda urged the public to be "discerning" amid the spread of "false allegations" against her after she filed her medical leave and was reported to have left the country.
She and her son Rep. Leandro Leviste (Batangas, 1st District) left the country on August 2, as confirmed by the Bureau of Immigration, flying separately through Hong Kong to France.
Legarda's absence comes at a time when she faces a looming plunder case, as announced by the Ombudsman.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla on July 31 ordered a preliminary investigation into Legarda, her son, and former Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi. The complaints cover non-bailable plunder and several counts of graft.
Investigators allege the three conspired to secure exclusive government rights over the country's solar energy resources. Legarda and Leviste has denied wrongdoing.
