Senator Loren Legarda has extended her medical leave for the sixth time, keeping her on leave until the second week of October, Senate Secretary Rey Bantug confirmed on Monday, Sept. 21.
Legarda will be on medical leave on Sept. 21 to 23, Sept. 28 to Oct. 2, and Oct. 5 to 9.
“Yes. Sept 21-23; Sept 28-Oct 2; and Oct 5-9,” Bantug said in a text message.
Legarda first filed for medical leave from Aug. 3 to 5.
Meanwhile, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla has raised concerns over Legarda’s prolonged absence amid the preliminary investigation into alleged irregularities involving solar energy projects amounting to P10.44 billion.
Remulla also said Legarda “appears unwilling” to return to the Philippines, as she has remained abroad since leaving for France on Aug. 2.
The Ombudsman is investigating allegations involving uncompleted solar energy projects and unpaid financial obligations estimated at more than P10.44 billion. Legarda has denied the allegations, calling them “utterly false and baseless.”
Several senators have separately said Legarda is undergoing treatment for a serious lung-related illness.
