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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Ortega gives advice to Marcos Cabinet officials amid 'harassment suits'

Ortega gives advice to Marcos Cabinet officials amid 'harassment suits'

Published May 26, 2026 09:14 am

At A Glance

  • Ortega advises Cabinet officials to remain steadfast in their duties despite politically motivated complaints and accusations aimed at disrupting government work and damaging credibility.
  • He emphasizes due process, noting that allegations alone do not prove wrongdoing and must be tested against facts, evidence, and fairness in a democratic system.
  • Government service must continue, Ortega underscores, stressing that truth will ultimately prevail over propaganda and defamation.
La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega (PPAB)
La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega (PPAB)


Don't be fazed, keep trudging forward.
This is House Deputy Speaker La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega's advice to Cabinet officials who are facing repeated complaints and accusations from individuals who are seemingly just out to make a name for themselves.
According to Ortega, there appears to be growing pattern of "harassment suits" and politically charged allegations being filed against members of President Marcos' Cabinet.
He cited in particular the case filed against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto accusing him of personally enriching himself from the transfer of about P60 billion in PhilHealth funds to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), which were later returned by the government.
“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,” Ortega said.
(In public service, especially in high positions, criticism, intrigue, and complaints will always be present, with the real aim of disrupting government work and destroying the credibility of officials.)
“Pero huwag magpatinag. Tuloy lang ang trabaho at serbisyo para sa taumbayan (But do not be fazed. Continue the work and service for the people)," he added.
Ortega stressed that allegations alone should never be treated as proof of wrongdoing. “Filing a complaint does not automatically establish guilt. In a democracy, accountability is important, but so is fairness."
The deputy speaker noted that allegations "must always be tested against facts, evidence, and due process".
The House leader from Ilocandia also underscored the need to separate institutional decisions from accusations of personal wrongdoing.
“In the case involving the Executive Secretary, it is important to distinguish between policy decisions made by institutions and personal enrichment allegations directed at individuals,” Ortega said.
“If the funds in question were legally transferred, accounted for, and eventually returned, then the proper authorities and documentary records should clarify those matters objectively,” he added.
Ortega said Cabinet officials should continue cooperating with lawful proceedings while remaining focused on their mandate.
“Ang pinakamahalaga ay hindi nahihinto ang serbisyo ng gobyerno dahil sa mga reklamong ginagamit para manggulo o magpasikat,” he said.
(What matters most is that government service does not stop because of complaints used to cause trouble or seek attention.)
“Sa huli, katotohanan pa rin ang mananaig, hindi propaganda at hindi paninira (In the end, truth will prevail, not propaganda, not defamation),” Ortega added.

Related Tags

Ralph Recto Paolo Ortega CABINET Harassment suits
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