Pasay city: Executive Secretary Ralph Recto has criticized the recent plunder and malversation complaints filed against him, labeling them as politically motivated. The complaints concern the transfer of unused funds from state-run firms, including PHP60 billion from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and PHP107 billion from the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC), to the national treasury.
According to Philippines News Agency, Recto suggested that opposition forces might be behind the complaints, which were filed by Dr. Tony Leachon. The complaints allege that Recto violated the Constitution and betrayed the public's right to health by redirecting these funds. Recto, a former Finance chief, defended the legality of the transfers, stating that they were authorized under the 2024 General Appropriations Act. He emphasized that the Department of Finance acted in accordance with the law and under congressional direction.
Recto explained that he consulted with various government agencies and oversight bodies before implementing the fund transfer. He reiterated that his actions were in compliance with legal and legislative directives, asserting that he did not personally benefit from the funds. Recto views the complaint as a tactic to distract public attention from other issues.
Meanwhile, several House leaders have accused Leachon of politicizing the issue and misleading the public. Deputy Speaker Janette Garin criticized Leachon for attacking officials who were executing a mechanism authorized by Congress. She called out Leachon for not pursuing legal action against Congress as a whole if he believes the act was unlawful.
Assistant Majority Leader Zia Alonto Adiong accused Leachon of trying to create controversy rather than addressing genuine accountability concerns. House Committee on Higher and Technical Education chair Jude Acidre argued that Leachon showed a lack of understanding of reserve funds, which are not meant to be spent recklessly. Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega of La Union suggested that Leachon was using the issue for political gain, especially after electoral losses suffered by Leachon's relatives.
