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The chief secretary was finance chief when the Marcos administration transferred P60 billion in PhilHealth funds to the treasury, an act declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Courtroom
MANILA, Philippines – Govt Secretary Ralph Recto on Monday, December 22, reiterated that he had “no prison legal responsibility” within the Marcos administration’s controversial resolution to switch P60 billion in funds from the Philippine Well being Insurance coverage Company (PhilHealth) to the nationwide treasury, as a gaggle filed a criticism towards him with the anti-graft court docket Sandiganbayan.
“I respect each citizen’s proper to hunt redress earlier than the courts and can totally cooperate with the Workplace of the Ombudsman through the conduct of preliminary investigation. With the in a position illustration by the Solicitor Common, I welcome the chance to make clear the problems, show my innocence, and debunk the allegations put forth,” mentioned Recto, previously the finance chief, in a press release to the media.
Earlier on Monday, a gaggle referred to as Save the Philippines Coalition filed a technical malversation, plunder, and gross misconduct case towards Recto and former PhilHealth president and chief government officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr.
Complainants embody Irene Ann C. Caballes, Elmer B. Jugalbot, Gerlyn Acedo Ogong, Emerita C. Pecson, Susan S. Villar, Mussolini S. Lidasan, Jose Jessie Olivar, and Jaime L. Miralles.
“However let me reiterate my innocence, as opined by Supreme Courtroom justices, that no prison legal responsibility might connect to me, as former Secretary of Finance, for performing in good religion and in accordance with a direct mandate from Congress in ordering the remittance of PhilHealth’s unused funds,” mentioned Recto, referring to the Supreme Courtroom resolution which ordered the return of the P60 billion and the stoppage of any additional transfers.
The Supreme Courtroom, voting unanimously, declared unconstitutional a particular provision within the 2024 finances, in addition to Recto’s division’s order, that led to the switch of the funds.
“In my greater than 30 years in authorities, that is the primary case of such variety that I’ve confronted, and think about it as a part of public service. I can’t get distracted by political noise. The work of enhancing authorities efficiency and providers is my precedence,” mentioned Recto, who was appointed Govt Secretary in mid-November 2025. – Rappler.com
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