MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Saturday dismissed reports that Sen. Loren Legarda, who is on medical leave abroad, is seeking asylum, calling the claims fake news.
“Wala, fake news ata ’yon, hindi yan totoo,” Lacson said in a DWIZ radio interview. He added that he was not aware of any case against Legarda that would prompt her to seek asylum.
Legarda left the Philippines with her son, Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, on Aug. 2, traveling through Hong Kong with France as their final destination. She went on medical leave the following day and sought an extension through Aug. 19.
Lacson said Legarda told him while abroad that she was dealing with a lung problem that required medical attention.
“Noong nasa labas tumawag siya sa akin minsan, sinabi niya lang na may problema raw ang kaniyang lungs,” he said.
Lacson added that he checked with a colleague in the Senate majority and was told that Legarda was indeed dealing with a medical condition.
Legarda, Leviste and former Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi are facing a preliminary investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman over allegations involving P10 billion worth of “ghost” solar projects. They have denied wrongdoing.
The Ombudsman previously questioned Legarda’s extended medical leave amid the investigation.
Lacson also expressed disappointment over Legarda’s departure from the Senate majority bloc during the May 2026 leadership change. He said he and Legarda had been part of a group of five senators who had worked together for years.
“Nalulungkot kami nina Tito Sen kasi matagal kami magkakasama,” Lacson said, referring to former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III and the other members of their group.
He said the group had called themselves the “Mythical Five,” which included Sens. Risa Hontiveros, Win Gatchalian, Sotto, Lacson and Legarda.