Senator Loren Legarda has defended her decision to take medical leave, rejecting what she described as baseless and false allegations against her amid scrutiny over her continued absence from the Senate.
Legarda’s medical leave has been extended through August 19, according to Senate officials. She has also been absent from the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
In a statement, Legarda said she has served the country with integrity for more than three decades and would not allow accusations to undermine her record.
“I have served our country with utmost dedication and integrity for more than three decades. I will not allow baseless accusations to trample on my unblemished record of public service.”
She said her medical leave was properly filed with the Senate and maintained that taking the leave was within her legal rights.
“I have filed a medical leave with the Senate, in accordance with Senate rules. Neither I nor anyone else deserves to be subjected to unfounded accusations over the exercise of one’s legal rights. I have committed absolutely no wrongdoing.”
Legarda also urged the public to carefully assess the allegations against her, particularly in light of what she described as their timing and nature.
“I urge the public to be discerning, especially in light of the timing and nature of these false allegations. I remain confident that once the facts come out, we will be vindicated.”
Her statement came after Ombudsman spokesman Mico Clavano described Legarda’s extended medical leave as “suspicious” amid the agency’s investigation into alleged irregularities involving undelivered solar power resources.
Legarda, however, maintained that she has committed no wrongdoing and expressed confidence that the facts will ultimately clear her name.
