Lacson dismisses reports that Legarda is seeking asylum as fake news

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 22, 2026

PHILIPPINES – Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has dismissed reports that Senator Loren Legarda is seeking asylum abroad, describing the claims as “fake news.”

Speaking in a radio interview on Saturday, Lacson said there was no basis for the reports, noting that Legarda has no case against her yet and that he was not aware of any preliminary investigation at the time.

Legarda left the Philippines with her son, Batangas Representative Leandro Leviste, on August 2, traveling through Hong Kong before heading to France. She has been on medical leave since August 3 and had sought an extension of her leave.

Lacson also said Legarda had contacted him while abroad and told him that she was experiencing a lung problem that required medical attention. He said he later verified with a colleague that Legarda was indeed dealing with a medical condition.

Meanwhile, Legarda, Leviste, and former Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi are facing a preliminary investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman over allegations involving graft and plunder related to the supposed ₱10-billion ghost solar projects.

Lacson also expressed sadness over Legarda’s departure from their former Senate majority bloc, saying they had worked together for years.