Remulla OKs Legarda, Leviste’s ‘late’ answer in plunder raps

MANILA, Philippines — Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Friday that his office will still consider the answer of Sen. Loren Legarda and her son, Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, to the plunder complaints filed against them before the anti-graft body, albeit late.

Legarda and Leviste were accused by Ombudsman investigators of conspiring “to secure exclusive government rights over the country’s solar energy resources through legislative and regulatory actions,” resulting in more than ₱10.44 billion in unpaid financial obligations to the government. Both denied the allegations.

“They filed their counter-affidavits already,” Remulla said in a press conference. “It was filed late, the counter-affidavit, if I am right, but we’re not going to get them on any technicality. We will still consider the counter-affidavit.”

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READ: Legarda, Leviste did not do anything illegal — spox

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Earlier, Legarda’s spokesperson, Tony La Viña, said they filed the counter-affidavit “this week” as he described the Ombudsman complaint as “political persecution.”

“The Ombudsman’s public pronouncements convey the unmistakable impression that liability has already been assumed, notwithstanding that the matters involving them remain at the preliminary investigation stage,” La Viña said.

Remulla said the continued overseas stay of Legarda and Leviste may affect the Ombudsman’s preliminary investigation.

“The problem is, what if we have questions?” Remulla asked “Where are they?”

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Legarda was on medical leave from Aug. 3, filing extensions for the fifth time until Sept. 16, while Leviste also secured a two-month travel authority from July 26 to Sept. 24.

Remulla said Legarda and Leviste remain in France, but he also said they received information that the mother and son went to Switzerland.

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Previously, he announced that he would be going to France in view of the reported stay of Legarda and former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, who is also facing plunder and two counts of malversation in the Sandiganbayan.

READ: Remulla’s flying to France to seek help in finding Co

Remulla said he will visit the European Union member country from October to mid-November.

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Interior chief Jonvic Remulla will also visit France to follow up with the International Criminal Police Organization on the Philippine government’s request for a red notice against Co. /mcm