Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla criticized Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste and his mother, Senator Loren Legarda, following reports that they left the country while facing a preliminary investigation.
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag confirmed that both lawmakers departed the Philippines on August 2. According to Bureau of Immigration (BI) records, they traveled separately through Hong Kong with France as their final destination.
“They left separately. Leandro Leviste departed on August 2 for Hong Kong. Senator Loren Legarda also left on August 2 on a different flight via Hong Kong, but their final destination was France,” Matibag said.
During a press briefing, Remulla emphasized that the Office of the Ombudsman will proceed with its inquiry into alleged irregularities concerning exclusive contracts awarded to Solar Philippines Power Project Holdings Inc. (SPPHI), a renewable energy firm founded by Leviste in 2013.
“The investigation will continue. It will continue,” Remulla said.
Despite their departure, the Ombudsman expressed confidence that both lawmakers will return to face the ongoing preliminary investigation.
“Will they really run away? I don’t think so. They will come back. We believe they will return,” Remulla said.
Remulla cautioned that failing to return would lead to more severe legal consequences.
“They might want to come home in handcuffs if they don’t return,” he said in Filipino.
The investigation centers on the awarding of exclusive contracts to SPPHI. Authorities have not yet announced any final findings or formal charges against either Leviste or Legarda. As of posting time, neither lawmaker has publicly responded to Remulla’s statements.