The Division of Well being denies the allegations, including that Secretary Brix Pujalte was solely at a resort not too long ago for a gathering with provincial authorities officers
MANILA, Philippines – Newly appointed Division of Well being (DOH) Secretary Jose “Brix” Pujalte Jr. is the topic of a grievance letter addressed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for allegedly frequenting casinos.
In a letter submitted to Malacañang on Friday, July 31, nameless “involved residents” claimed Pujalte has repeatedly been seen playing at Okada Manila and Solaire Resort & On line casino.
The complainants additionally alleged that he makes use of the aliases “Louis Santos” and “Louis Santoss” to cover his identification.
“Nakakabahala nang malaman namin na siya ang itinalaga na performing secretary ng DOH dahil ang isang mataas na opisyal ng gobyerno — na dapat ay modelo ng moralidad at integridad — ay nagtatapon lang ng oras at pera sa pasugalan,” the complainants wrote.
(It’s alarming to study that he has been appointed secretary of the DOH, as a result of a high-ranking authorities official — who must be a mannequin of morality and integrity — is just losing money and time on playing.)
They accused Pujalte of violating Presidential Decree No. 1869, Part 14(a), which says that authorities officers are prohibited from taking part in in casinos, and Republic Act No. 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Moral Requirements for Public Officers and Workers.
The complainants are searching for the preventive suspension and dismissal of the well being secretary.
DOH response
The DOH denied the allegations, including that Pujalte was solely at a resort not too long ago for a gathering with provincial authorities officers. The resort was not named.
“Noong Hulyo 20, naimbitahan siya para dumalo sa isang opisyal na pagpupulong kasama ang mga opisyal ng Masbate at Sorsogon sa isang resort. Tanging ang pagbibigay ng tulong sa mga pampublikong ospital sa rehiyon ang pinag-usapan sa naturang pagtitipon,” the well being division’s assertion learn.
(On July 20, he was invited to attend a proper assembly with officers from Masbate and Sorsogon at a resort. The dialogue on the gathering targeted solely on aiding public hospitals within the area.)
Marcos appointed Pujalte as well being secretary on July 13 after his predecessor Teodoro Herbosa resigned, citing medical causes. – Rappler.com
