New Health Secretary Accused of Casino Gambling

MANILA, Philippines – Newly appointed Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Jose “Brix” Pujalte Jr. is the subject of a complaint letter addressed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for allegedly frequenting casinos. In a letter submitted to Malacañang on Friday, July 31, anonymous “concerned citizens” claimed Pujalte has repeatedly been seen gambling at Okada Manila and Solaire Resort & Casino. The complainants also alleged that he uses the aliases “Louis Santos” and “Louis Santoss” to hide his identity. “Nakakabahala nang malaman namin na siya ang itinalaga na acting 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 is alarming to learn that he has been appointed secretary of the DOH, because a high-ranking government official — who ought to be a model of morality and integrity — is simply wasting time and money on gambling.) They accused Pujalte of violating Presidential Decree No. 1869, Section 14(a), which says that government officials are prohibited from playing in casinos, and Republic Act No. 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. The complainants are seeking the preventive suspension and dismissal of the health secretary. DOH response The DOH denied the allegations, adding that Pujalte was only at a hotel recently for a meeting with provincial government officials. The hotel 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 hotel. Tanging ang pagbibigay ng tulong sa mga pampublikong ospital sa rehiyon ang pinag-usapan sa naturang pagtitipon,” the health department’s statement read. (On July 20, he was invited to attend a formal meeting with officials from Masbate and Sorsogon at a hotel. The discussion at the gathering focused solely on assisting public hospitals in the region.) Marcos appointed Pujalte as health secretary on July 13 after his predecessor Teodoro Herbosa resigned, citing medical reasons. – Rappler.com