Executive Secretary Ralph Recto – Photo from Ralph Recto/Facebook
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said on Monday he would cooperate with the Office of the Ombudsman following complaints about the transfer of P60 billion from PhilHealth to the national treasury.
The complaints, filed by the Save the Philippines Coalition, allege technical malversation, plunder, and grave misconduct related to the 2024 fund transfer.
Recto was serving as Finance Secretary at the time the transfer took place.
He told reporters he respects citizens’ right to seek legal redress and will participate fully in the Ombudsman’s preliminary investigation.
Recto also welcomed the chance to clarify issues with legal representation from the Office of the Solicitor General.
Despite the ongoing investigation, he assured the public that he would remain focused on his responsibilities as Executive Secretary.
“I will not get distracted by political noise,” Recto said, emphasizing that improving government services is his top priority.
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court ordered the executive branch to return the P60 billion to PhilHealth.
Recto said the fund transfer was approved by the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel, the Governance Commission for GOCCs, the Commission on Audit, and the PhilHealth board, and it did not affect members’ contributions.
He added that the transfer helped expand PhilHealth’s benefit packages and supported the rollout of Zero Balance Billing, protecting Filipino families from rising healthcare costs.
