Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday said Sen. Loren Legarda has been recovering well since taking extended leave to seek medical treatment.
Gatchalian shared details regarding Legarda’s health status based on ongoing text message exchanges with the senator, who has been on extended medical leave since August 3.
“Okay naman siya. Again, ang conversation namin through texting, kumustahan, at maayos naman siya. I told her that ang pinakamahalaga sa buhay ng tao ay kalusugan,” Gatchalian said in an interview.
Asked if Legarda has been healing well, Gatchalian responded that she was, based on her feedback.
Gatchalian noted that while he continuously receives Legarda’s formal requests for extended medical leave, it has been some time since they last spoke directly over the phone.
“Ako, tine-text ko siya every now and then about the care for health and may mga replies naman but yung mga maiikising reply lang,” Gatchalian also said.
Regarding whether Legarda will return to participate in the voting for the ongoing impeachment trial, Gatchalian stated that nothing is confirmed as the matter has not been discussed during their exchanges.
Gatchalian advised her to prioritize her treatment and take as much time as necessary for her recovery.
He clarified that Legarda submits official leave notices to the Senate leadership specifically for dates when the upper chamber is actively in session.
“Well, kung wala namang trabaho then wala naman siya ipag-leave,” Gatchalian added.
Legarda has been seeking medical care for reported health issues involving her lungs.