Senator Lacson denies reports of Legarda seeking asylum

Senator Panfilo Lacson has dismissed reports that Senator Loren Legarda is seeking political asylum, labeling the claims as fake news. Lacson clarified that Legarda is currently abroad to undergo medical evaluations for a diagnosed lung condition.

Legarda, who traveled via Hong Kong to France with her son, Batangas Representative Leandro Leviste, has been on medical leave since early August. Lacson stated that Legarda personally reached out to him to discuss her health concerns and the ongoing preliminary investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman's inquiry examines allegations of graft and plunder involving Legarda, Leviste, and former Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi. The investigation concerns claims that they sought exclusive contracts for solar ventures that reportedly never materialized. While Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano previously questioned the timing of Legarda's departure, Lacson expressed sympathy for her medical situation and denied that her absence is related to legal flight.