Executive Secretary Ralph Recto – Photo from Ralph Recto/Facebook
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on Thursday reiterated his innocence following complaints filed against him over the transfer of P60 billion in unused PhilHealth funds.
A coalition of doctors, health advocates, and lawyers lodged plunder, technical malversation, and graft complaints against Recto and PhilHealth President Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. before the Office of the Ombudsman.
In a statement, Recto said he respects the right of groups to seek legal remedies but emphasized that he acted in good faith as former Finance Secretary under a direct mandate from Congress.
He cited previous opinions by Supreme Court justices, noting that no criminal liability should attach to him regarding the remittance of PhilHealth’s excess funds.
Recto expressed confidence that relevant institutions will handle any allegations objectively and stressed his focus remains on upholding the rule of law and improving government services.
The complainants, in a 31-page petition, requested a preliminary investigation into the possible criminal, civil, and administrative liability of Recto and Ledesma, citing violations of the National Health Insurance Act and the Universal Health Care Act.
They also pointed out that the P60 billion transferred to the national treasury was later used to fund unprogrammed appropriations under the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA) and argued that the move harmed PhilHealth members and the public.