
Philippine Senators Voluntarily Waive Salaries During Medical Leave
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian confirmed that Senator Loren Legarda and other absent lawmakers have voluntarily waived their salaries while on medical leave.
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Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian confirmed that Senator Loren Legarda and other absent lawmakers have voluntarily waived their salaries while on medical leave.

Reports circulating that Senator Loren Legarda is seeking asylum have been dismissed as fake news by Senator Panfilo Lacson. Legarda has instead emphasized the importance of strengthening the link between education, training, and local job opportunities.

The Office of the Ombudsman in the Philippines has deemed Senator Loren Legarda’s extended medical leave suspicious, in light of plunder and graft complaints against her and her son.
Senator Loren Legarda's defense regarding 'Solar Para sa Bayan' that no public funds were involved is being challenged, with critics arguing that public resources extend beyond direct treasury releases.

Senator Loren Legarda is advocating for stronger protection, fair compensation, and safe working arrangements for workers who sustain the economy during calamities in the Philippines.

Senator Loren Legarda and her son, Representative Leandro Leviste, have left the Philippines. This departure comes as Leviste was a no-show at the NBI, amidst reports of Legarda taking medical leave.

The Ombudsman has initiated a probe into plunder and graft complaints filed against Senator Loren Legarda and her son, Leandro Leviste, concerning alleged irregularities in solar projects. Legarda has vehemently denied the accusations, calling them baseless and utterly false.

Senator Loren Legarda of the Philippines has urged Congress to prioritize addressing the nationwide classroom shortage during deliberations on the proposed 2027 national budget.

Senator Loren Legarda is pushing for the institutionalization of the Department of Agriculture’s Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4K) Program, a nationwide initiative aimed at poverty reduction and empowerment for indigenous communities.

Senator Loren Legarda has been instrumental in the passage of five out of seven laws enacted so far in the 20th Congress, focusing on education, fiscal policy, governance, and veterans’ welfare.

Senator Loren Legarda praised the Philippine Senate for ratifying the bicameral conference committee report on bills that will enhance free college access for poor students.

Senator Loren Legarda marked the 128th Philippine Independence Day by emphasizing that freedom is reflected in governance, protection of heritage, and serving public interests.

Former employees of Rep. Zaldy Co have retracted their earlier claims of delivering cash-filled luggage to Senator Loren Legarda, according to their lawyer Levito Baligod.

Senator Loren Legarda has denied reports of her resignation as the Senate President Pro Tempore. Her statement clarifies her current position amidst other legislative news, including her commendation for a new law declaring April as PH Veterans’ Month.

Ateneans, La Sallians, artists, and women's rights groups have collectively called on the Senate majority to improve their performance. The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service also spoke out regarding Senator Loren Legarda.

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda recently visited Sen. Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. Elementary School and President Corazon C. Aquino High School in Baseco, Manila, to promote the Aral Program.

A group of artists and poets who participated in an annual event organized in partnership with Senator Loren Legarda's office has cut ties with her following her vote in the Senate presidential election.

Senator Loren Legarda welcomed the successful opening of the Philippine Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, an international art exhibition in Venice, Italy, which aims to honor Filipino seafarers and culture.

Senator Loren Legarda has sponsored a measure to declare the Waling-waling (Vanda sanderiana) as the National Orchid of the Philippines, emphasizing the urgent need for its conservation.

Senator Loren Legarda renewed her call for urgent government action to alleviate the burden on Filipino workers facing increasing fuel and food costs, emphasizing that their struggle extends beyond wages.

Senator Loren Legarda has introduced Senate Bill No. 2051, known as the Local Harvest Support Act of 2026, aimed at bolstering food security and safeguarding the livelihoods of farmers and fisherfolk in the Philippines amidst increasing fuel and commodity prices.

Senator Loren Legarda has filed Senate Bill No. 2020, known as the "Bayanihan 3: Power to the People Act," an emergency bill proposing immediate relief for Filipinos and a temporary crisis-specific revenue package.

Senator Loren Legarda emphasized the importance of Filipino Food Month, celebrated every April, in connecting food security with cultural heritage to sustain families and communities. She noted how this initiative helps preserve traditions while addressing contemporary food challenges.

Senator Loren Legarda co-chaired the 4th Meeting of the Philippine Congress–Bangsamoro Parliament Forum (PCBPF), reaffirming her commitment to peace, development, and inclusive governance in the Bangsamoro region.

Senator Loren Legarda emphasized the crucial role of women's leadership and grassroots innovation in enforcing environmental and water laws, securing water, and building climate resilience.

The Philippine Senate has passed Senate Bill No. 1719, principally authored by Senator Loren Legarda, which declares April of every year as Philippine Veterans Month for national remembrance.

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Loren Legarda has filed three complementary measures aimed at easing the burden on Filipino households by reforming the country’s value-added tax (VAT) system. The proposals lower the general VAT rate, exempt basic goods and services, and correct distortions in electricity billing to ensure fairness and fiscal responsibility. “Relief must be responsible,”

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Loren Legarda welcomed the enactment of Republic Act No. 12315, which extends the term of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (Edcom 2) for two more years.

Senator Loren Legarda marked the start of National Women’s Month 2026 by emphasizing the crucial role of women in fostering a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Philippines.

Senator Loren Legarda is advocating for the passage of Senate Bill No. 1853, the K to 3 Foundational Learning and Nurturing Care Act, as a solution to the Philippine learning crisis.

MANILA, Philippines — Twelve senators have signed a committee report banning political dynasties in the Philippines up to the second degree of consanguinity and affinity. These senators are as follows: Risa Hontiveros, Erwin Tulfo, JV Ejercito, Kiko Pangilinan, Ping Lacson, Loren Legarda, Sherwin Gatchalian, Robin Padilla, Imee Marcos, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Bam Aquino, and Lito

Senator Loren Legarda has extended her medical leave for a fourth time, with her absence now scheduled to last until September 2. This marks another extension in her ongoing medical absence from legislative duties.

Senator Loren Legarda of the Philippines is advocating for urgent action to reduce overcrowded classrooms in public schools, emphasizing its impact on learning quality and teacher working conditions.

Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano and Senator Loren Legarda were again absent from Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, with no notice from Cayetano's office.

Senator Loren Legarda of the Philippines emphasized that recurring floods require broader preventive, nature-based solutions rather than just traditional flood-control infrastructure.

Senator Loren Legarda lauded the enactment of Republic Act No. 12322, a new law that provides the Department of Education (DepEd) with the flexibility to adopt an evidence-based curricular approach for Filipino students.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla expressed confidence that Senator Loren Legarda and her son, Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, will return to the Philippines amidst an ongoing anti-graft investigation against them.

Senator Loren Legarda urged Filipinos to prioritize disaster resilience, framing it as a fight to protect families, farmers, and fisherfolk. Her statement comes as the nation observes National Disaster Resilience Month.

Senator Loren Legarda has called for stronger government action to combat rising child stunting and chronic malnutrition in the Philippines, emphasizing its impact on education reform.

Senator Loren Legarda has filed a resolution for the Senate to investigate the real impact of the Philippines' recent reclassification as an Upper Middle-Income Country by the World Bank.

The Philippine Senate has approved a bill declaring the Waling-waling as the national orchid, authored by Senator Loren Legarda.

Senator Loren Legarda stated that a petition filed before the Supreme Court, seeking to nullify the June 3 Senate session, represents a constitutional controversy beyond a mere leadership dispute.

Senator Loren Legarda emphasized the importance of real funding for education laws during the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) anniversary, stressing the need to prioritize students and resolve political differences.

Senator Loren Legarda has challenged the constitutionality of recent leadership changes in the Philippine Senate, including the appointment of key officers and committee chairpersons.

The Philippine Senate experienced a significant leadership change as Senator Francis Escudero was elected Senate President, replacing Alan Peter Cayetano. The move, which involved a majority vote and the appointment of new committee chairpersons, was met with protests from Cayetano, who insisted he remained the legitimate leader.
Of course, we all know that Legarda being composed and Pangilinan being respectful in an already heated session failed to prevent the members of the minority from walking out later that afternoon.

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, co-chair of EDCOM II, highlighted the urgent challenges facing the Philippine education system, particularly the literacy crisis, during a recent briefing.

Assumption College has taken down the portrait of Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda from its 'Wall of Empowered Women' after the student council stated she no longer reflects the institution's values.

Senator Loren Legarda stated that heritage is a source of strength for Filipino families amidst rising costs and uncertainty, reflecting this message during Heritage Month.

Senator Loren Legarda has joined her son's call for a congressional investigation into the implementation of government cash aid and subsidy programs, specifically citing alleged unfair distribution in Batangas.

Senator Loren Legarda of the Philippines called for a decisive shift towards proactive climate readiness, urging legislation for anticipatory finance to safeguard communities before disasters strike. She emphasized moving away from a cycle of "trauma and repair."

Senator Loren Legarda of the Philippines called on governments, institutions, and communities to address climate and energy challenges through enhanced environmental action as the country observes Earth Month in April.

Senator Loren Legarda called on Filipinos to embrace heroism through discipline and sacrifice while honoring the heroes of the Bataan Death March during the Capas Commemoration event. She emphasized their courage in securing the nation's freedom and peace.

Senator Loren Legarda has introduced Senate Bill No. 2020, known as the Bayanihan 3: Power to the People Act, a comprehensive emergency measure aimed at protecting Filipino families from the 2026 global oil crisis.

Senator Loren Legarda lauded Filipina women for their crucial role in community resilience during extreme weather, marking the conclusion of National Women's Month.

Senator Loren Legarda of the Philippines announced plans to file the Bayanihan Power to the People Act, or Bayanihan 3 Law, aiming to establish a comprehensive government framework to address the impacts of the global oil crisis on Filipino households and the national economy.

Senator Loren Legarda has filed two bills aimed at lowering prices on basic goods and services while expanding value-added tax (VAT) exemptions for essential necessities, medicines, and medical services in the Philippines.

Senator Loren Legarda is pushing for a proposed law that would provide tangible benefits and protections to unpaid care workers, many of whom are women, in observance of National Women’s Month.

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Loren Legarda sponsored Senate Bill No. 1719, declaring April of every year as Philippine Veterans Month while establishing a permanent national framework to honor Filipino veterans and ensure sustained access to services and education. In her sponsorship speech on March 4 during the plenary session, Legarda emphasized the urgency of institutionalizing

Senator Loren Legarda connected grassroots literacy efforts like Oplan: Talk Read to a broader national push for literacy reform in the Philippines.

Senator Loren Legarda, co-chair of Edcom II, sponsored Senate Bill No. 1894 to enhance Republic Act No. 10931, also known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, aiming to strengthen the free college education law.

Senator Loren Legarda has introduced a bill to amend the 2009 Cultural Heritage Act, aiming to enhance heritage protection by providing incentive mechanisms and tax relief for privately owned heritage buildings.

Senator Loren Legarda has raised concerns that the reported decline in poverty incidence in the Philippines may not accurately reflect the lived experiences of Filipino families, despite official figures showing a significant drop.

Senator Loren Legarda is advocating for a standard of 35 students and a maximum of 50 learners per room in public schools to improve teaching and learning conditions in the Philippines.

Senator Loren Legarda has extended her medical leave until August 19, as confirmed by the Senate secretariat. This marks another extension of her absence from Senate duties due to health reasons.

Senator Loren Legarda has extended her medical leave from August 11 to August 12. The extension was confirmed by her office.
Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste and his mother, Sen. Loren Legarda, reportedly left the Philippines for France before the National Bureau of Investigation could serve a subpoena regarding an alleged 'honey trap' plot targeting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.

Senator Loren Legarda has denied accusations against her, calling them baseless, and expressed confidence that she will be vindicated, amidst questions regarding her absence.
Senator Loren Legarda urged graduates of Batangas State University (BatStateU) to reject mediocrity in their professions, according to a statement from her office.

Senator Loren Legarda has filed Senate Bill No. 2255, a tax reform bill aimed at increasing the take-home pay of ordinary workers and ensuring fairer taxes in the Philippines.

Senator Loren Legarda joined the Philippines in celebrating Micro-, Small- and Medium-sized Enterprise (MSME) Day on June 27, highlighting the vital role of small businesses as the everyday lifeblood of Filipino communities.

Senator Loren Legarda marked the 165th birth anniversary of Dr. José Rizal on June 19, reflecting on his vision and calling for national unity in the Philippines.

A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Mindanao, Philippines, causing significant coastal uplift that raised the seabed by up to two meters and extended shorelines. The quake has been followed by over 6,100 aftershocks, prompting relief efforts, prayers from Pope Leo XIV, and discussions on disaster planning.

Lawyer Levi Baligod has admitted to a second error, stating that two former soldiers wrongly implicated Senator Loren Legarda in their affidavit concerning a flood control case.

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda used World Environment Day 2026 to draw attention to the daily struggles of Filipino families affected by climate change. She emphasized the local reckoning of a global observance.

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, is leading efforts for education reforms in the Philippines, aiming to optimize and rationalize Schools Divisions.

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda led a diagnosis of power and connectivity challenges in Antique and Aklan, securing commitments for public-private solutions. She emphasized the need for reliable infrastructure in the region.

The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service (TOWNS) Foundation Inc. has expressed profound disappointment over Senator Loren Legarda's political decisions and urged her to reflect deeply. Legarda is a TOWNS awardee.

Students from Assumption College San Lorenzo and UP are calling on their alumna, Loren Legarda, to reflect on the principles she once upheld as a student and public figure.

Senator Loren Legarda has called for a Senate inquiry into reports that 84 barangays in Taal and Nasugbu, Batangas, were excluded from a government assistance program.

Senator Loren Legarda, chair of the Senate committee on culture and the arts, inaugurated the 'Buhay na Dunong: Bukal ng Pamana' exhibit at the Senate building in Pasay City.

Senator Loren Legarda, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education, is pushing for reform measures to enhance colleges, CHED, and TESDA in the Philippines.

Senator Loren Legarda has urged the Department of Agriculture to stop importing 300,000–350,000 metric tons of fish and to suspend the fuel VAT to alleviate the burden on local fishing communities facing high fuel costs.

Senator Loren Legarda has called on the Department of Agriculture to present a clear plan to assist farmers and fishers who are struggling with rotting harvests and high fuel costs due to the ongoing oil crisis.

Senator Loren Legarda has filed a bill, dubbed ‘Bayanihan 3’, in the Philippine Senate. The proposed measure aims to institutionalize the government’s response to the energy crisis, including a provisional oil regulation.

Senator Loren Legarda reiterated her commitment to peacebuilding, reflecting on decades of work in conflict mediation, hostage negotiations, and implementing programs that convert peace agreements into development initiatives.

Senator Loren Legarda emphasized that tax reforms in the Philippines must provide relief to Filipino families while ensuring accountability in government spending, stating that revenue foregone from tax cuts can be recovered by addressing corruption.

Senator Loren Legarda has called for urgent attention and accountability regarding the collapse of onion farm gate prices in Nueva Ecija and Occidental Mindoro, which plummeted from ₱120–₱150 per kilogram to just ₱30–40, and the issue of import overlap, demanding a thorough investigation into the matter.

Senator Loren Legarda welcomed the enactment of Republic Act No. 12315, extending the term of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) for two more years to address gaps and drive reforms.

Senator Loren Legarda, Co-chair of EDCOM II, urged education officials to address declining literacy and numeracy rates and called for reforms including lighter teacher workloads in basic education.

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Loren Legarda renewed her call for the swift passage of the Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), which seeks long-overdue recognition, protection, and dignity of BHWs. During the Senate plenary session on February 25, Legarda co-sponsored the measure, pressing for stronger legal and financial support for BHWs, the frontliners of

Senator Loren Legarda, chair of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, convened a hearing to advocate for urgent reforms and modernization of the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.