NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Ortega Tells Cabinet Officials: Keep Working Despite Complaints
Photo credit: Congress PH
Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V on Monday urged Cabinet officials facing complaints and accusations to stay focused on public service, saying political attacks should not distract the government from doing its job.
The La Union lawmaker issued the statement amid what he described as a growing number of harassment suits and politically motivated allegations being filed against officials under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr..
Ortega specifically pointed to the complaint filed against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto over the transfer of around P60 billion in PhilHealth funds to the Department of Budget and Management — funds that were later returned by the government.
According to Ortega, criticism and complaints are already part of holding high government positions, but they should not interfere with governance or weaken public institutions.
“Sa public service, lalo na sa matataas na posisyon, hindi mawawala ang batikos, intriga at mga reklamong ang tunay na layunin ay guluhin ang trabaho ng gobyerno at sirain ang kredibilidad ng mga opisyal,” Ortega said.
“Pero huwag magpatinag. Tuloy lang ang trabaho at serbisyo para sa taumbayan,” he added.
The deputy speaker also stressed that accusations alone should not automatically be treated as proof of wrongdoing.
“Filing a complaint does not automatically establish guilt. In a democracy, accountability is important, but so is fairness,” Ortega said.
“Allegations must always be tested against facts, evidence, and due process,” he added.
Ortega emphasized the importance of separating institutional policy decisions from accusations of personal enrichment, especially in the case involving Recto.
“In the case involving the Executive Secretary, it is important to distinguish between policy decisions made by institutions and personal enrichment allegations directed at individuals,” Ortega said.
“If the funds in question were legally transferred, accounted for, and eventually returned, then the proper authorities and documentary records should clarify those matters objectively,” he added.
The House leader said Cabinet officials should continue cooperating with legal proceedings while remaining focused on their responsibilities to the public.
“Ang pinakamahalaga ay hindi nahihinto ang serbisyo ng gobyerno dahil sa mga reklamong ginagamit para manggulo o magpasikat,” Ortega said.
“Sa huli, katotohanan pa rin ang mananaig, hindi propaganda at hindi paninira,” he added.
The La Union lawmaker issued the statement amid what he described as a growing number of harassment suits and politically motivated allegations being filed against officials under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr..
Ortega specifically pointed to the complaint filed against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto over the transfer of around P60 billion in PhilHealth funds to the Department of Budget and Management — funds that were later returned by the government.
According to Ortega, criticism and complaints are already part of holding high government positions, but they should not interfere with governance or weaken public institutions.
“Sa public service, lalo na sa matataas na posisyon, hindi mawawala ang batikos, intriga at mga reklamong ang tunay na layunin ay guluhin ang trabaho ng gobyerno at sirain ang kredibilidad ng mga opisyal,” Ortega said.
“Pero huwag magpatinag. Tuloy lang ang trabaho at serbisyo para sa taumbayan,” he added.
The deputy speaker also stressed that accusations alone should not automatically be treated as proof of wrongdoing.
“Filing a complaint does not automatically establish guilt. In a democracy, accountability is important, but so is fairness,” Ortega said.
“Allegations must always be tested against facts, evidence, and due process,” he added.
Ortega emphasized the importance of separating institutional policy decisions from accusations of personal enrichment, especially in the case involving Recto.
“In the case involving the Executive Secretary, it is important to distinguish between policy decisions made by institutions and personal enrichment allegations directed at individuals,” Ortega said.
“If the funds in question were legally transferred, accounted for, and eventually returned, then the proper authorities and documentary records should clarify those matters objectively,” he added.
The House leader said Cabinet officials should continue cooperating with legal proceedings while remaining focused on their responsibilities to the public.
“Ang pinakamahalaga ay hindi nahihinto ang serbisyo ng gobyerno dahil sa mga reklamong ginagamit para manggulo o magpasikat,” Ortega said.
“Sa huli, katotohanan pa rin ang mananaig, hindi propaganda at hindi paninira,” he added.
May 25, 2026
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
