Manila: Deputy Speaker Janette Garin of Iloilo has criticized Tony Leachon's call for Executive Secretary Ralph Recto to resign, labeling the attack as misplaced and detached from the complex realities of managing taxes, health spending, and relief efforts for impoverished Filipinos. Garin, along with Batangas Rep. Gerville 'Jinky Bitrics' Luistro and San Juan Rep. Ysabel Maria Zamora, defended Recto in separate statements, arguing that public finance issues cannot be distilled into inflammatory slogans.
According to Philippines News Agency, Garin accused Leachon of meddling and suggested that if his advocacy truly concerned taxes, he should plainly advocate for taxing the rich and subsidizing the poor, instead of simplifying complex fiscal issues into calls for resignation. Garin emphasized that the attack on Recto lacked context and stressed the difficulty of devising solutions that do not harm the budget or burden the poor.
Garin, a former Health Secretary, highlighted that health financing cannot be reduced to simple slogans, as it involves a system dependent on contributions, subsidies, reimbursements, benefit packages, and long-term sustainability. She pointed out that as a doctor, Leachon should understand that not all issues can be resolved through demands for resignation.
Leachon had made an online post demanding Recto's resignation, citing allegations of PhilHealth defunding, failure to reduce excise taxes on diesel and gasoline, and Recto's role in the EVAT law. However, administration allies rejected these allegations as a selective reading of tax policy, noting that revenue measures also fund social services, health programs, infrastructure, and subsidies for vulnerable sectors.
Luistro argued that it was unfair to blame Recto for complex policy decisions that went through Congress, economic managers, and the government's machinery. She emphasized that tax policy is about balance and urged for discussions on strengthening PhilHealth and improving healthcare benefits, rather than engaging in personality attacks.
Luistro also highlighted that Recto's extensive record as a legislator and economic policymaker should be considered in its entirety, rather than being reduced to a social media meme based on three accusations. She called for serious debate on healthcare policy and fiscal responsibility.
Zamora stated that Leachon's post ignored the real policy debate on funding healthcare while protecting ordinary Filipinos from heavy burdens. She advocated for a system where those with greater capacity contribute more, and those with less receive stronger support. Zamora stressed that public health advocacy should foster understanding rather than incite anger through half-context claims.
Zamora concluded by urging critics to question fiscal policy responsibly, without turning disagreements into personal attacks. She emphasized that the goal should be better policies, clearer targeting, and stronger subsidies to support struggling Filipino families, rather than engaging in online attacks.
