Manila: The Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed the departure of Senator Loren Legarda and her son, Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste, from the Philippines on Sunday. The lawmakers left on separate flights, with no derogatory records on file.

According to Philippines News Agency, BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval stated that both departures occurred on August 2, with one flight taking off at dawn and the other in the evening. Sandoval did not disclose further details regarding their destinations or return dates.

Senator Legarda released a statement asserting that she is on a formal medical leave from August 3 to 5. She urged the public not to connect her travel to recent allegations against her and her son, which she described as false and baseless.

The Office of the Ombudsman recently announced plans to file plunder and graft complaints for preliminary investigation against Legarda and Leviste. These charges relate to alleged multibillion-peso solar projects.

Leviste was also scheduled to meet with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to address his alleged involvement in a plot against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto. NBI-National Capital Region Director Emeterio Dongallo Jr. mentioned that the meeting has been postponed to August 11.

Ombudsman Jesus Remulla expressed confidence that Legarda and Leviste will return to the country. He emphasized that the investigation will continue, with or without their presence. Remulla speculated that they will either return voluntarily or in custody.