Recto insists ‘no criminal liability’ as group sues over PhilHealth funds

MANILA, Philippines – Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on Monday, December 22, reiterated that he had “no criminal liability” in the Marcos administration’s controversial decision to transfer P60 billion in funds from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to the national treasury, as a group filed a complaint against him with the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan.

“I respect every citizen’s right to seek redress before the courts and will fully cooperate with the Office of the Ombudsman during the conduct of preliminary investigation. With the able representation by the Solicitor General, I welcome the opportunity to clarify the issues, prove my innocence, and debunk the allegations put forth,” said Recto, formerly the finance chief, in a statement to the media. 

Earlier on Monday, a group called Save the Philippines Coalition filed a technical malversation, plunder, and gross misconduct case against Recto and former PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. 

Complainants include Irene Ann C. Caballes, Elmer B. Jugalbot, Gerlyn Acedo Ogong, Emerita C. Pecson, Susan S. Villar, Mussolini S. Lidasan, Jose Jessie Olivar, and Jaime L. Miralles. 

“But let me reiterate my innocence, as opined by Supreme Court justices, that no criminal liability may attach to me, as former Secretary of Finance, for acting in good faith and in accordance with a direct mandate from Congress in ordering the remittance of PhilHealth’s unused funds,” said Recto, referring to the Supreme Court decision which ordered the return of the P60 billion and the stoppage of any further transfers. 

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The Supreme Court, voting unanimously, declared unconstitutional a special provision in the 2024 budget, as well as Recto’s department’s order, that led to the transfer of the funds.

“In my more than 30 years in government, this is the first case of such kind that I have confronted, and view it as part of public service. I will not get distracted by political noise. The work of improving government performance and services is my priority,” said Recto, who was appointed Executive Secretary in mid-November 2025. – Rappler.com