Leviste, Legarda left PH, NBI says; Loren on medical leave

Senator Loren Legarda and her son, Batangas First District Representative Leandro Leviste, left the country on separate flights, according to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

NBI Director Melvin Matibag said Leviste flew to Hong Kong, while Legarda flew to France on August 2, Sunday.

Senator Erwin Tulfo, in a separate interview with reporters after his meeting with Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, said Legarda is on medical leave.

"She asked for permission, she filed for leave of absence. It is a medical leave," Tulfo said.

Asked if Legarda secured travel authority, Tulfo said, "Yes, I believe it is dated August 3 to 5."

"That is why during the last [impeachment] hearing, she wasn't around," Tulfo added.

Legarda's camp also said the senator is on medical leave.

The overseas trips of Leviste and Legarda come on the heels of the Ombudsman's announcement that it is investigating them in connection with P10-billion plunder and graft complaints due to the alleged failure of his renewable energy firm to provide solar power, as provided under its congressional franchise.

Leviste is also separately being investigated by the NBI over an alleged ploy to frame Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.

The Batangas congressman has denied the allegations.

Last May, the Department of Energy (DOE) said it has filed a complaint with the Department of Justice against Leviste and five officials of the Solar Para sa Bayan Corporation (SPBC) over alleged violations of the Public Service Act.

Senate President @WinGatchalian74, walang impormasyon kaugnay ng paglabas ng bansa ni Sen. Loren Legarda noong August 2, 2026. | via @nimfaravelo pic.twitter.com/zfchaZmwpq

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) August 7, 2026

For his part, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said he has no information regarding Legarda’s departure.

"I don't have any information about her foreign trip. Hindi pa po kami nag-uusap tungkol sa trip niya (We have not yet spoken regarding her trip)," he told reporters.

Meanwhile, Gatchalian said Legarda's flight does not require travel authority from the Senate. — VDV, GMA News