'Utterly false': Loren Legarda denies Ombudsman solar contract allegations

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Loren Legarda rejected as "utterly false and baseless" allegations linking her to a supposed solar contract scheme involving her son, Rep. Leandro Leviste, saying she has not received any communication from the Office of the Ombudsman.

Legarda issued the statement Friday, July 31, after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said his office was moving toward a preliminary investigation involving the senator, Leviste and former Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi.

"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," Legarda said.

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

The Ombudsman said Friday that investigators found that Legarda, Leviste and Cusi allegedly "conspired to secure exclusive government rights over the country's solar energy resources through legislative and regulatory actions."

The possible complaints involve alleged violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, and the Plunder Law.

The Ombudsman alleged that numerous exclusive solar energy service contracts were awarded to corporations within Leviste's supposed network, with many projects allegedly left undeveloped.

Legarda urged 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.

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