Plunder, other raps filed vs Recto, Ledesma over PhilHealth fund transfer

A MULTISECTORAL group on Monday filed technical malversation, plunder, and grave misconduct complaints against Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto and former Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) President Emmanuel R. Ledesma, Jr. over the 2024 transfer of P60 billion in reserve funds.

The complaint-affidavit was lodged before the Office of the Ombudsman by the Save the Philippines Coalition, which accused Mr. Recto, as former Finance secretary, and Mr. Ledesma, former PhilHealth chief, of violating laws governing PhilHealth funds, while noting that the Supreme Court’s ruling declaring the transfer illegal did not impose criminal or administrative liability on Mr. Recto.

“Only the National Prosecution Service or the Office of the Ombudsman can determine whether there is probable cause to hold a person liable for a crime,” Irene Ann C. Caballes, one of the petitioners told reporters.

“Let’s leave it to these offices to decide if probable cause exists.”

Mr. Recto, for his part, said he remains committed and focused on his work, undeterred by political distractions.

“Will not get distracted by political noise. The work of improving government performance and services is my priority,” he told ����ý via Viber.

He reiterated in a separate statement that he respects citizens’ right to seek redress before the courts and vowed full cooperation with the Office of the Ombudsman should it conduct a 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,” he said.

“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,” he added.

Mr. Ledesma did not immediately reply to message seeking comment.

The high court earlier declared special provision 1(d) of the 2024 national budget and the related Department of Finance Circular 003‑2024 void, ruling the full P89.9-billion PhilHealth fund transfer unconstitutional and ordering the return of both the P60 billion already remitted and the remaining balance.

The tribunal also noted that Mr. Recto is not criminally or civilly liable, as he acted in “good faith” while performing a ministerial duty mandated by the 2024 general appropriations act. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking