Doctors, Lawyers File Plunder Case Against Ralph Recto
RALPH RECTO – The Executive Secretary is facing a complaint filed with the Office of the Ombudsman by a group of doctors and lawyers, who accused him and former PhilHealth President Ernesto Ledesma Jr. of plunder, technical malversation, graft, and grave misconduct.
The issue centers on the transfer of PHP60 billion in excess PhilHealth funds to the national treasury under the 2024 General Appropriations Act. The complainants asked the Ombudsman to conduct a preliminary investigation to determine whether the transfer violated the law and caused harm to PhilHealth members and the public. They also cited potential violations of the National Health Insurance Act, the Universal Health Care Act, and the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
The group argued that Recto and Ledesma failed to properly review the legal basis for moving the funds and that some of the money was later allocated to unprogrammed appropriations, which allegedly disadvantaged PhilHealth members.
Recto defended his actions, saying he acted in good faith as Finance Secretary and under the authority of Congress. He noted that the Supreme Court had already addressed the issue in a December 3, 2025 ruling, ordering the return of PHP60 billion to PhilHealth and permanently barring the transfer of the remaining PHP29.9 billion. The Court did not assign any criminal liability to him. He also emphasized that funding for PhilHealth has been restored and even increased to better serve the public.
Recto stated that he respects the right of anyone to seek legal remedies but remains focused on governance, upholding the law, and improving public services. He expressed confidence that any allegations will be fairly reviewed by the appropriate institutions and pledged to prioritize government programs over political distractions.
“The issue has already been addressed by the Supreme Court, and the government has fully complied with its ruling. Consistent with this, funding for PhilHealth has since been restored and even augmented in order to better serve our countrymen,” he said.