Executive Secretary Ralph Recto and former PhilHealth president Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. are facing plunder charges before the Office of the Ombudsman over the transfer of P60 billion in “excess” PhilHealth funds to the national treasury.
The complaint, filed by Save the Philippines Coalition, also seeks investigations into possible violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and technical malversation under the Revised Penal Code.
The group cited the Supreme Court ruling declaring the transfer unconstitutional and ordering the funds returned to PhilHealth via the 2026 General Appropriations Act.
Complainants argue that the transfer violated the Universal Health Care Act and the National Health Insurance Act, which mandate that excess reserve funds benefit PhilHealth members rather than the national treasury.
Recto is specifically held liable for issuing DOF Circular No. 003-2024, while Ledesma is accused of acquiescing to the unlawful directive.
Source: PhilNews24 | December 23, 2025
