Cabinet officials facing repeated complaints and accusations were urged to remain focused on governance as concerns grow over politically charged cases that could distract from public service.
The call came amid allegations filed against some members of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Cabinet, including a complaint against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto over the transfer of about P60 billion in PhilHealth funds to the Department of Budget and Management. The funds were later returned by the government.
Deputy Speaker and La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V said public officials, particularly those holding high government posts, should expect criticism and scrutiny, but should not allow political attacks to disrupt their work.
“Sa public service, lalo na sa matataas na posisyon, hindi mawawala ang batikos, intriga at mga reklamong ang tunay na layunin ay guluhin ang trabaho ng gobyerno at sirain ang kredibilidad ng mga opisyal,” the La Union legislator said.
“Pero huwag magpatinag. Tuloy lang ang trabaho at serbisyo para sa taumbayan,” he added.
The House leader stressed that filing a complaint does not automatically prove guilt, saying accusations must be evaluated through evidence, facts, and due process.
“In a democracy, accountability is important, but so is fairness,” he said.
“Allegations must always be tested against facts, evidence, and due process,” he added.
He said it is also important to distinguish between government policy decisions made by institutions and allegations of personal enrichment against individual officials.
In the case involving the PhilHealth fund transfer, Ortega said documentary records and proper authorities should be allowed to objectively determine whether the funds were legally transferred, accounted for, and eventually returned.
Officials facing complaints, he said, should cooperate with lawful proceedings while continuing to perform their duties.
“Ang pinakamahalaga ay hindi nahihinto ang serbisyo ng gobyerno dahil sa mga reklamong ginagamit para manggulo o magpasikat,” Ortega said.
He added that public service must continue despite political noise, stressing that truth and due process should prevail over propaganda and personal attacks.
“Sa huli, katotohanan pa rin ang mananaig, hindi propaganda at hindi paninira,” he said.