Filing of plunder cases vs Legarda, Leviste forthcoming – ombudsman

MANILA, Philippines — Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla on Friday said the filing of a plunder case against Sen. Loren Legarda and her son Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste before the Sandiganbayan is forthcoming.

Ombudsman investigators accused the mother and son of allegedly conspiring “to secure exclusive government rights over the country’s solar energy resources through legislative and regulatory actions.”

These conspiracy reportedly resulted in more than ₱10.4 billion in unpaid financial obligations to the government. 

Both Legarga and Leviste denied the accusations.

Remulla reiterated that the plunder complaint against Legarda and Leviste is in the preliminary investigation (PI) stage before the Office of the Ombudsman.

This means, it is one step away from case filing in the anti-graft court.

“That’s going to happen very soon,” Remulla said of the case in a press conference.

“That’s PI. It’s for the Sandiganbayan already,” he said. “We’ll announce when it’s there.”

Remulla, however, refused to give a timeline for filing the case.

Legarda’s spokesperson Atty. Tony La Viña said they have already filed their counter-affidavit on the case, which he branded as “political persecution.”

However, Remulla said the case is “far” from political persecution.

“Perhaps, you could see the conflict of interest angle. We did not invent that,” he noted. “What the facts are, we will present to the court.” 

Leviste has secured a two-month travel authority which lapsed on Sept. 24.

The House member he has yet to return to the country.

Legarda has been on medical leave since Aug. 3. 

La Viña said the senator is undergoing treatment in France for a serious lung disease that can flare up whenever she is under stress. /apl