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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Legarda says plunder, graft accusations 'utterly false and baseless'

Legarda says plunder, graft accusations 'utterly false and baseless'

Published Jul 31, 2026 07:22 pm

Senator Loren Legarda denied on Friday, July 31, allegations linked to a preliminary investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman for plunder and graft, describing the accusations as "utterly false and baseless" and vowing to clear her name.

Senator Loren Legarda (Senate PRIB photo)
Senator Loren Legarda (Senate PRIB photo)

In a statement, Legarda said she and her camp have yet to receive any official communication from the Office of the Ombudsman regarding the reported preliminary investigation.

"We have not received any communication from the Office of the Ombudsman regarding the reported preliminary investigation but I can categorically state that the reported accusations are utterly false and baseless," Legarda said.

Legarda stressed that no public funds were involved in the matter and said they are prepared to present evidence to refute the allegations.

"No public funds were involved. We are prepared to bring out the truth," she added.

The senator also appealed to the public to carefully assess the allegations, particularly given their timing.

"We urge the public to be discerning, especially in light of the timing and nature of these allegations. We remain confident that once the facts are laid bare, we will be vindicated and our names cleared," she said.

Legarda also emphasized that she has consistently upheld her integrity throughout her years in public service.

"All my public life since 1998, I have always upheld my integrity, which I value dearly. This baseless allegation is a smear on my person that is totally undeserved," she said.

Her statement came after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla announced on Friday that his office had initiated a preliminary investigation into Legarda and her son, Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste, over allegations of plunder and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

According to Remulla, the complaint alleges that Legarda and Leviste abused legislative and regulatory powers in securing solar energy contracts. Former Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi and several other individuals were also included in the charge sheet.

Remulla further alleged that Leviste's company failed to fulfill its commitment to produce electricity, resulting in what he described as "hundreds of billions" of pesos in losses to the government and the Filipino people.

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Loren Legarda Leandro Leviste Ombudsman plunder charges
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