NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Recto Shrugs Off PhilHealth Case Vows Full Cooperation And Focus On Work
DOF File
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said Monday he is ready to face the complaints filed against him over the transfer of Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) funds — and insists the issue will not distract him from doing his job.
Recto made the statement after the Save the Philippines Coalition filed complaints for technical malversation, plunder, and grave misconduct against him and former PhilHealth president and CEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. The complaints center on the transfer of ₱60 billion in PhilHealth reserve funds to the National Treasury during Recto’s stint as Secretary of Finance.
“I respect every citizen’s right to seek redress before the courts and will fully cooperate with the Office of the Ombudsman,” Recto said in a text message to reporters, as the preliminary investigation gets underway.
He added that he welcomes the chance to explain his side and is confident the issues will be sorted out through proper legal channels.
“I welcome the opportunity to clarify the issues raised by the Save the Philippines Coalition, with representation by the Office of the Solicitor General,” he said.
Despite the legal challenge, Recto made it clear he is keeping his eyes on the bigger picture.
“I will not get distracted by political noise,” he said. “The work of improving government performance and services is my priority. I will let my lawyers address those issues.”
The controversy traces back to 2024, when the Department of Finance ordered the transfer of ₱89.9 billion in unused PhilHealth subsidies to the National Treasury. Of that amount, ₱60 billion was already remitted, while about ₱29 billion remained with PhilHealth after the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order.
The High Court later ruled unanimously that the transfer of the ₱60 billion was unconstitutional, ordering its return to PhilHealth and permanently blocking the transfer of the remaining ₱29.9 billion.
In a separate statement, Recto stressed that the Supreme Court had already affirmed his innocence, noting that he acted in good faith and followed a direct mandate from Congress when the funds were remitted.
In my more than 30 years in government, this is the first case of such kind that I have confronted, and I view it as part of public service,” he said.
PhilHealth’s reserve funds come from member contributions and government subsidies and are meant to ensure the long-term sustainability of benefits and operations of the state health insurer — a point now at the center of a debate playing out both in court and in public.
Recto made the statement after the Save the Philippines Coalition filed complaints for technical malversation, plunder, and grave misconduct against him and former PhilHealth president and CEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. The complaints center on the transfer of ₱60 billion in PhilHealth reserve funds to the National Treasury during Recto’s stint as Secretary of Finance.
“I respect every citizen’s right to seek redress before the courts and will fully cooperate with the Office of the Ombudsman,” Recto said in a text message to reporters, as the preliminary investigation gets underway.
He added that he welcomes the chance to explain his side and is confident the issues will be sorted out through proper legal channels.
“I welcome the opportunity to clarify the issues raised by the Save the Philippines Coalition, with representation by the Office of the Solicitor General,” he said.
Despite the legal challenge, Recto made it clear he is keeping his eyes on the bigger picture.
“I will not get distracted by political noise,” he said. “The work of improving government performance and services is my priority. I will let my lawyers address those issues.”
The controversy traces back to 2024, when the Department of Finance ordered the transfer of ₱89.9 billion in unused PhilHealth subsidies to the National Treasury. Of that amount, ₱60 billion was already remitted, while about ₱29 billion remained with PhilHealth after the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order.
The High Court later ruled unanimously that the transfer of the ₱60 billion was unconstitutional, ordering its return to PhilHealth and permanently blocking the transfer of the remaining ₱29.9 billion.
In a separate statement, Recto stressed that the Supreme Court had already affirmed his innocence, noting that he acted in good faith and followed a direct mandate from Congress when the funds were remitted.
In my more than 30 years in government, this is the first case of such kind that I have confronted, and I view it as part of public service,” he said.
PhilHealth’s reserve funds come from member contributions and government subsidies and are meant to ensure the long-term sustainability of benefits and operations of the state health insurer — a point now at the center of a debate playing out both in court and in public.
Dec 22, 2025
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