Executive Secretary Ralph Recto has denied any liability in connection with the ₱60-billion transfer of PhilHealth reserve funds, stressing that the government acted within legal bounds and in line with existing fiscal policy, following the dismissal of plunder and graft complaints by the Office of the Ombudsman.
“Wala tayong liability diyan,” said Recto in his Damdaming Bayan interview.
The Ombudsman earlier dismissed the complaints against Recto and other officials, a decision now subject to a motion for reconsideration filed by Coalition of Lawyers and Doctors seeking to reverse the ruling.
Recto argued that the decision is consistent with previous legal interpretations, citing even the position of some Supreme Court justices.
“Sa totoo lang binasura na rin yan ng Supreme Court. Kaya consisted lang yung sinabi ng ombudsman, consistent sa mga pahayag ng ilang Supreme Court justices na wala tayong liability dyan dahil sinundan lang natin yung batas,” Recto said.
He explained that the fund realignment was carried out under the Department of Finance (DOF) and in accordance with Congress’ mandate, emphasizing the government’s role in addressing budget constraints.
“Being a secretary of finance, being a chief fundraiser ng gobyerno… lagi tayo naghahanap ng pondo para mapunuan yung budget ng Pilipinas,” he added, noting that unused funds in certain agencies were redirected to priority government projects to avoid additional borrowing.
Recto also linked the continued legal challenge to political tensions surrounding the issue.
“Alam naman natin mainit ang politika ngayon,” Recto stressed.
