Executive Secretary Ralph Recto has dismissed allegations that he influenced congressional proceedings, leading to the failure of the bicameral conference committee report on the proposed national minimum wage increase.
The controversy surfaced after Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste claimed that the Senate had informed labor groups and lawmakers of a supposed phone call from Recto.
Leviste alleged this intervention effectively stalled the approval of the measure during the final days of the 19th Congress.
Responding to the accusation, Recto issued a brief but pointed denial:
“Not true. He should pay what he owes govt. 24b.”
Recto’s statement refers to the ₱24 billion in penalties recently imposed by the Department of Energy (DOE) on Solar Philippines Power Projects, a firm founded by Leviste.
The legal and financial friction between the DOE and the energy company has added a layer of personal and political tension to the exchange.
The legislative deadlock centered on differing versions of the wage hike. While the House of Representatives pushed for a ₱200 daily increase, the Senate backed a significantly lower amount. Without a consensus, Congress adjourned sine die without ratifying the bill.
Leviste maintained that the Executive’s hand was visible in the legislative outcome, stating:
“Sinabi din ng Senado sa ibang mga labor groups at mga congressman sa huling araw ng 19th Congress kaya hindi inaprubahan ang bicam report para sa pagtaas ng minimum wage dahil tumawag si Secretary Ralph Recto.”
Beyond the wage issue, Leviste linked the alleged executive influence to other high-stakes matters, including the archiving of impeachment proceedings involving Vice President Sara Duterte.
He argued that the Cabinet appeared to be dictating the legislative calendar.
“Sa huling araw ng 19th Congress, ang pinagdedebatihan sa Senado ay ‘yung archiving ng impeachment… Hindi ito kina-calendar dahil sa pagtutol ng kabinete na pinamumunuan ni Executive Secretary Ralph Recto…”
Leviste raised concerns regarding the separation of powers, suggesting that the executive branch has overstepped its bounds by steering the legislative agenda.
As of press time, Recto has not provided further details regarding the allegations beyond his initial rebuttal.