Edu Manzano shares post on possible plunder case involving Ralph Recto

• Edu Manzano shared a report discussing possible plunder and technical malversation charges against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto
• Retired Justice Antonio Carpio said the Bureau of the Treasury allegedly used ₱167 billion in trust funds for flood control projects
• Carpio explained that transfers from PhilHealth and PDIC happened under the Department of Finance during Recto’s leadership
• Manzano’s silent post drew attention because of his history as a corruption critic and his personal link to Recto through Vilma Santos

Actor and host Edu Manzano once again stirred conversation online after sharing a report about possible plunder and technical malversation charges that Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto may face. The issue came from comments made by retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, who said that if the Supreme Court rules against the Bureau of the Treasury’s use of ₱167 billion in trust funds, Recto could be held liable.

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In the report he shared, Carpio explained that the Bureau of the Treasury used ₱60 billion from PhilHealth and ₱107 billion from the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. for flood control projects. These funds were legally restricted. Carpio said the transfer allowed the flood program to continue even though the law required the money to be used for their specific purposes.

He clarified it using a simple example. According to Carpio, “Technical malversation is a situation where the law (is) saying that this money should be used to build schoolhouses, you used the money to build a bridge. When you did not obey it, that is what you call technical malversation. Whether you actually received a single centavo or not is immaterial because you did not follow the law.” He added that these transfers happened under the Department of Finance, which was then headed by Recto. Carpio also said the action was “unconstitutional” because restricted funds must follow the purpose set by law.

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Carpio added that because there were multiple transfers from PhilHealth and PDIC, the case may qualify as plunder. “It will be plunder because this is a series because there were two transfers and there were also transfers from several tranches from PDIC,” he said.

Edu Manzano shared the news article without any caption. Still, his simple move caught attention. Manzano has long been vocal against corruption, especially when it comes to flood control projects and public funds. He previously posted sarcastic and mocking remarks online about issues connected to flood control spending, which made people more aware of his stance.

The post also gained traction because of the personal connection involved. Manzano was once married to Vilma Santos, while Ralph Recto is her current husband. Even without words, Manzano’s repost sparked curiosity, with many wondering if he was simply sharing news or making a subtle statement.

Edu’s background as an outspoken figure on governance issues adds weight to his online activity. Over the years, he has used his social media accounts to highlight questionable government actions, often in a humorous yet pointed way. He is also well known for his experience in politics and public service, which gives him a voice that people pay attention to.

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The controversy involving Recto is still unfolding, and the possible charges depend on how the Supreme Court rules on the use of the ₱167 billion trust funds. For now, Edu’s post has only amplified the conversation.

In this article, Edu questioned the Department of Trade and Industry’s statement that a Filipino family could prepare Noche Buena for only ₱500. His reaction drew strong responses from netizens who agreed that the budget was unrealistic. The post once again showed Edu’s tendency to speak up on issues affecting ordinary Filipinos.

Previously, Edu’s viral post written in a unique, oversized font, which many found both funny and intriguing. The playful presentation led to lighthearted speculation online, including jokes asking “Nakulong na ba?” The post showed Edu’s mix of humor and commentary that often grabs attention.

Source: KAMI.com.gh