MANILA — Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto on Thursday said the government has not only complied with the Supreme Court’s ruling by restoring the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) funds but has also increased the agency’s funding to better serve the public.

In a statement, Recto said he respects the right of citizens to seek legal remedies and follow due process but emphasized that his priority remains upholding the law and improving government services.

“We will continue to uphold the rule of law, respect due process, and work to uplift the lives of our kababayan. I will not get distracted by political noise. The work of improving government performance and services is my priority,” Recto said.

He noted that while a complaint was filed before the Office of the Ombudsman, the matter has already been addressed by the Supreme Court, and the government has fully complied with its ruling.

“Consistent with this, funding for PhilHealth has since been restored and even augmented in order to better serve our countrymen,” the Executive Secretary said.

Recto also expressed confidence that facts and the law will guide a fair evaluation of the allegations against him.

“Let me also reiterate my innocence, as opined by Supreme Court Justices, that no criminal liability may attach to me, as former Secretary of Finance, for acting in good faith and in accordance with a direct mandate from Congress in ordering the remittance of PhilHealth’s unused funds,” he said.

“We remain confident that the facts and the law are clear, and that the appropriate institutions will evaluate any allegations fairly and objectively,” Recto added.