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Advocates Philippines
Recto Slams PhilHealth Fund Case As 'Harassment,' Cites SC Views On Good Faith
Photo credit: Office of the Executive Secretary
Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto has strongly rejected a petition questioning the transfer of government funds to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), calling the case baseless and politically motivated.
In a statement dated May 25, 2026, Recto said the case should not only be dismissed but rejected outright, arguing that it was filed without legal merit and amounted to harassment.
He maintained that the transfer of funds was carried out under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2024, stressing that the Department of Finance acted based on a legal mandate issued by Congress.
Recto emphasized that government officials involved in the implementation were simply complying with the law at the time and had no discretion to disregard it.
He also pointed to separate opinions of Supreme Court justices in related rulings, where magistrates underscored that public officials who act in good faith while implementing a valid law cannot be held criminally liable. The opinions further noted that liability for technical malversation does not attach when officials are performing ministerial duties under a statute presumed valid at the time of implementation.
According to Recto, the actions of the Department of Finance were supported by clearances and coordination with oversight bodies, reinforcing that the process followed established government procedures.
He added that a significant portion of the disputed funds—around PHP 60 billion—has already been returned to PhilHealth, further undermining allegations of misuse.
Recto also denied allegations that he personally benefited from the fund transfer, calling such claims false and defamatory. He said he had no access to or control over the funds and described accusations of personal enrichment as baseless.
The Executive Secretary further criticized the petition’s motives, claiming it was politically driven and intended to damage his reputation. He also questioned the credibility and intentions of the complainant, accusing him of repeatedly using health reform issues as a platform for political positioning.
Recto warned that the allegations could amount to libel and said he would not allow what he described as misinformation to go unchallenged.
He also raised questions about possible backing behind the filing of the case, suggesting that it may be aimed at diverting public attention from other issues.
The petition remains pending, while broader legal and policy discussions on the implementation of the 2024 national budget and government fund realignments continue to draw scrutiny from various sectors.
In a statement dated May 25, 2026, Recto said the case should not only be dismissed but rejected outright, arguing that it was filed without legal merit and amounted to harassment.
He maintained that the transfer of funds was carried out under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2024, stressing that the Department of Finance acted based on a legal mandate issued by Congress.
Recto emphasized that government officials involved in the implementation were simply complying with the law at the time and had no discretion to disregard it.
He also pointed to separate opinions of Supreme Court justices in related rulings, where magistrates underscored that public officials who act in good faith while implementing a valid law cannot be held criminally liable. The opinions further noted that liability for technical malversation does not attach when officials are performing ministerial duties under a statute presumed valid at the time of implementation.
According to Recto, the actions of the Department of Finance were supported by clearances and coordination with oversight bodies, reinforcing that the process followed established government procedures.
He added that a significant portion of the disputed funds—around PHP 60 billion—has already been returned to PhilHealth, further undermining allegations of misuse.
Recto also denied allegations that he personally benefited from the fund transfer, calling such claims false and defamatory. He said he had no access to or control over the funds and described accusations of personal enrichment as baseless.
The Executive Secretary further criticized the petition’s motives, claiming it was politically driven and intended to damage his reputation. He also questioned the credibility and intentions of the complainant, accusing him of repeatedly using health reform issues as a platform for political positioning.
Recto warned that the allegations could amount to libel and said he would not allow what he described as misinformation to go unchallenged.
He also raised questions about possible backing behind the filing of the case, suggesting that it may be aimed at diverting public attention from other issues.
The petition remains pending, while broader legal and policy discussions on the implementation of the 2024 national budget and government fund realignments continue to draw scrutiny from various sectors.
May 25, 2026
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