Legarda, Son Leave Philippines Amid NBI Probe

Senator Loren Legarda and Lean Leviste have left the Philippines, according to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). The departure comes amid a failure by Leviste to appear before the NBI, though representatives for the senator state the travel is for medical reasons.

The NBI chief confirmed the exit of both individuals, as reported by Philstar.com. This development follows a period where Leviste was expected to present himself to investigators but failed to do so, according to Inquirer.net.

The Philippine News Agency reported that Legarda and her son departed the country separately. The senator’s office stated that she is currently on medical leave.

Ombudsman Response and Legal Stakes

The Office of the Ombudsman has addressed the departure of the two individuals. According to GMA Network, the Ombudsman stated that Legarda and Leviste will either return to the Philippines voluntarily or they will be brought back in handcuffs.

The NBI’s tracking of the pair’s movements coincides with ongoing investigations. While the NBI chief verified the departure, the agency has not yet detailed the specific charges or warrants that may be pending.

Conflicting Accounts of Departure and Return

There are diverging narratives regarding the nature of the trip and the likelihood of a return. The senator’s camp maintains the absence is health-related, while the NBI focuses on the lack of cooperation from Lean Leviste.

The Daily Tribune cited Remulla, who asserted that both Loren Legarda and Lean Leviste will return to the country. This statement contrasts with the more aggressive stance taken by the Ombudsman regarding the potential for a forced return.

The separation of their departures, as noted by the Philippine News Agency, adds a layer of complexity to the timeline of their exit. The NBI continues to monitor the situation as they seek to resolve the reasons behind Leviste’s failure to appear for questioning.