REPRESENTATIVE Leandro Leviste has firmly rejected allegations made by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto that he is the driving force behind the legal complaints filed over the transfer of ₱60 billion in Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) funds to the National Treasury.
Reacting to Recto’s recent statements claiming a “mastermind” was financing and orchestrating the cases, Leviste said he was initially amused and confused by the description, thinking Recto might have been referring to a figure linked to flood control projects.
“Actually I saw him say in his statement yesterday that the one financing his case is a ‘mastermind’. I thought he was referring to a flood control mastermind — whoever that is. I was intrigued if he was about to name who the flood control mastermind is,” Leviste remarked. He emphasized that he is definitely not the person behind the legal actions, pointing out that attacks and complaints against Recto began long before he even spoke out on the issue. He noted that the recent complaint filed by health advocate Dr. Tony Leachon is already the third legal case lodged in connection with the controversial fund transfer.
Leviste highlighted that the cases carry significant legal weight, having earned the support of respected legal experts such as former Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio. “Legal luminaries like former Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio have spoken in support of these cases. It’s best to ask those who filed the 3 cases — Dr. Leachon filed the most recent one, or former Justice Carpio — to comment on the PhilHealth plunder cases,” he said, stressing that the issues raised are based on legal and constitutional grounds, not personal or political plots.
The lawmaker also dismissed Recto’s claim that the opposition is behind the criticism and legal moves against him. “Obviously hindi lang ako ang galit sa nangyari sa PhilHealth. Sa totoo lang, may mga taga-admin na nag-uudyok sa akin na tirahin si RGR. Hindi naman iyan ang dahilan ng pagsasalita ko, but that’s why I can say maraming iba from the admin na nasa likod ng attacks sa kanya,” Leviste explained.
He further clarified that the resentment toward Recto comes from within the administration itself, not from political rivals. “Mali iyung sinabi niya na opposition ang nasa likod ng attacks sa kanya. Ang mga galit sa kanya ay ibang mga tao sa admin, kasama na rin ang mga sinasabing dati niyang kasosyo na maaaring may sama ng loob sa kanya,” Leviste stated, adding that multiple groups and individuals — including former associates — have expressed grievances over how the PhilHealth funds were handled.
