The Supreme Court has spoken. Its rulings are final, executory, and form part of the law of the land. And yet, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto has the audacity to suggest that the government will only return the P89.9 billion PhilHealth fund—if ordered by the High Court—by 2026. This is not just a delay; it is a blatant disregard for both the Supreme Court’s authority and the suffering of millions of Filipinos relying on PhilHealth for their healthcare needs.

Where Did the Money Go?
Recto’s statement raises an alarming question: Where is the money now? If the government can’t return it immediately, does that mean it has already been spent elsewhere? If so, who approved such a move? On what projects or programs was the money used? The Filipino people deserve answers, and they deserve them now.

The Department of Finance (DOF) argues that the unused funds of government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs), including PhilHealth, were simply “reallocated” for other expenditures. But this raises another fundamental question: Was this legal? The Supreme Court is now deliberating on whether the government violated the Constitution by tapping these funds for unprogrammed appropriations. If the ruling confirms the illegality of this move, then the government must not only return the money but also hold accountable those responsible for this brazen fund diversion.
Recto’s True Loyalties

Recto’s handling of this issue is suspicious at best and complicit at worst. Instead of prioritizing the health and welfare of the Filipino people, he is more concerned about the government’s deficit targets and the country’s credit rating. Since when did balancing the budget take precedence over the constitutional right to healthcare?

Moreover, his dismissive attitude suggests that he is protecting certain powerful interests. Is he shielding a political dynasty? Is he laying the groundwork for his own? The Filipino people should remember this when the time comes to vote. Recto may claim to serve the public, but his actions suggest that his true loyalties lie elsewhere.

PhilHealth: A System in Crisis
Meanwhile, PhilHealth continues to struggle in fulfilling its mandate. Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Kho Jr. has even suggested overhauling its leadership due to its failure to provide adequate healthcare coverage. This crisis is not just about money; it is about a broken system where corruption, inefficiency, and mismanagement thrive at the expense of ordinary Filipinos.

For years, Filipinos have suffered from an underfunded healthcare system. Hospitals are overwhelmed, medical supplies are lacking, and millions remain uninsured. The P89.9 billion in question could have significantly improved benefit packages, expanded coverage, and provided much-needed relief to struggling patients. Instead, it was siphoned off for vague and undisclosed expenditures.
Enough of the Excuses—Return the Money Now!

The solution is simple: Return the money. Now. Not in 2026, not next year, but immediately. If the Supreme Court rules in favor of PhilHealth, then the government must comply without delay. Any attempt to stall, divert, or complicate the process should be seen as an outright betrayal of the Filipino people.

To Secretary Recto: The late Don Claro M. Recto was a nationalist, a man of principle who fought for the rights and dignity of Filipinos. Do not tarnish his legacy with arrogance and excuses. Follow the law. Return the money. The Filipino people are watching.

(TAMBULI NG BAYAN-Ronnie Estrada)
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