Ralph Recto faces plunder, malversation charges over PhilHealth, PDIC funds

Dr. Anthony Leachon filed plunder and technical malversation charges on May 24 against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto and other officials over the diversion of P60 billion from PhilHealth and P107 billion from PDIC.

An independent health reform advocate submitted a 19-page complaint to the Office of the Ombudsman. The complaint names Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, acting Finance Secretary Frederick Go, and several other officials including PhilHealth and PDIC executives.

Dr. Anthony Leachon stated that the transfers violated the Universal Health Care Law and Sin Tax provisions. He said the moves met the threshold for plunder under Republic Act 7080.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto called the complaint a nuisance and harassment case. He quoted Associate Justice Ricardo Rosario to argue that officials acted in good faith under a law presumed valid at the time.

The P60 billion transfer occurred in 2025. The Supreme Court ordered its return in December 2025, and the funds were returned to PhilHealth five months later.

مقالات ذات صلة

A group of "concerned Department of Health personnel" has filed a graft complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman against Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa and 16 other officials over the alleged wastage of P1.4 billion worth of medicines and vaccines. They accused the respondents of graft and serious dishonesty for failing to distribute life-saving drugs that expired in warehouses.

من إعداد الذكاء الاصطناعي

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The Court of Appeals has affirmed the dismissal from government service of former overall deputy ombudsman Warren Rex Liong over his role in the alleged overpriced procurement of personal protective equipment from Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp. during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CA's Third Division denied his petition against the Ombudsman's order for lack of merit.

من إعداد الذكاء الاصطناعي

Former House speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez has moved to disqualify the Office of the Ombudsman from probing his alleged involvement in the flood control controversy, warning of a ‘pattern of prejudgment’ that violates due process. In a four-page letter dated April 22, his lawyers argued that statements by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla show prosecution for plunder was decided in advance. He seeks handling by a neutral official.

The Supreme Court has directed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Executive Secretary Ralph Recto to comment within 10 days on a mandamus petition seeking disclosure of his medical exam results, including physical, mental, and hair follicle drug tests. Malacañang has vowed to comply with the order amid health rumors dismissed by officials.

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