The Office of the Ombudsman has placed Reynaldo A. Regalado under preventive suspension for six months without pay while it investigates administrative complaints related to the accreditation of insurance providers under the Personal Passenger Accident Insurance Program (PPAIP) for public utility vehicles.
In an order dated July 28, 2026, the Ombudsman found sufficient grounds to suspend Regalado pending the resolution of the administrative cases against him.
Regalado is facing complaints for Grave Misconduct, violations of Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, and Republic Act No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act.
According to the complaint, Regalado allegedly approved the accreditation of a third insurance consortium despite questions regarding its membership and the timeliness of its application. He also faces allegations of conflict of interest after previously serving as senior counsel at AAQ Law, the law firm representing the accredited consortium.
“Regalado was listed as Senior Counsel of AAQ Law. Regalado’s participation in any proceeding involving AAQ Law’s clients casts serious doubt as to his impartiality,” the Ombudsman's order stated.
The complaint further alleged that Regalado failed to respond to requests for accreditation-related documents, refused to release records needed for an appeal, and excluded the complainant's lawyers from a conference with the Insurance Commission.
Explaining the preventive suspension, the Ombudsman said there was sufficient basis to believe Regalado's continued stay in office could affect the investigation.
“This Office finds sufficient grounds for the issuance of an Order for Preventive Suspension against Regalado considering that there is strong evidence showing his guilt; the charges against him constitute grave misconduct; his continued stay in office may prejudice the investigation... and, in order to preserve documents and evidence pertaining to this case... and to avoid Regalado's commission of further malfeasance and/or misfeasance in office,” the order read.
The Ombudsman also cited allegations that Regalado showed manifest partiality by approving the accreditation despite alleged violations of the Insurance Commission's own regulations governing the PPAIP accreditation process.
The suspension is immediately executory and will remain in effect until the administrative case is resolved, unless otherwise ordered by the Ombudsman or a competent court.
Aside from the administrative cases, Regalado is also facing a separate complaint for alleged violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
