Recto says case versus him ‘nothing but a nuisance’

MANILA, Philippines — Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on Monday dismissed the plunder and technical malversation charges filed against him over the transfer of 60 billion pesos in PhilHealth reserve funds to the National Treasury as a mere nuisance and harassment suit.

The Cabinet official demanded that the complaint be forcefully thrown out, maintaining that he bears no criminal liability for the transaction.

The statement followed a move by physician and public health advocate Tony Leachon to file criminal charges before the Office of the Ombudsman against Recto and several other Cabinet members regarding the alleged diversion of the health state insurer’s funds.

Recto argued that the fund transfer was legally mandated under the 2024 General Appropriations Act, noting that Congress had explicitly directed the Department of Finance to carry out the order.

The Executive Secretary also emphasized that Supreme Court justices themselves have cleared him of criminal liability because he was merely implementing the law in good faith.

According to Recto, who cited remarks from several associate justices, his actions as the finance chief at the time were executed solely to fulfill his official legal duties.

Meanwhile, Malacañang stated that it respects the filing of the complaint, acknowledging that any individual has the right to take legal action.

Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro remarked during a Monday press briefing that the public must now wait to see if the case will progress or be dismissed.