Manila, Philippines — Executive Secretary and former Finance chief Ralph Recto is allegedly blocking legislative measures intended to increase the monthly wages of Filipino workers.
In a video released by Batangas Representative Leandro Leviste, the lawmaker claimed that Recto also opposes the proposed abolition of the “provincial rate” system, preventing the bill from moving forward in Congress. Leviste made these statements on May 1st in celebration of Labor Day.
Earlier, Leviste also accused Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto the Executive Secretary’s wife of selective distribution regarding the “Bawat Barangay Makikinabang” program.
Under the program beneficiary barangays are set to receive ₱200,000 in assistance. Leviste alleged that only a chosen few were granted the funds.
The Executive Secretary has since denied the allegations, emphasizing that the distribution of aid follows strict administrative requirements and is not influenced by political considerations. Recto maintained that the government provides assistance not only in Batangas but across the entire country.
Recto further detailed that in Batangas, 980 out of 1,078 barangays have already received support. The remaining funds will be released once the necessary documents are completed and verified. He asserted that the government does not engage in “politicking” or favoritism in its programs.
Despite these explanations, Leviste has filed a resolution seeking a Congressional inquiry to track the ₱16.8 million intended for 84 barangays in Batangas—funds that were previously promised by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.