Health Secretary Jose “Brix” Pujalte Jr. has strongly denied allegations that he engaged in casino gambling following a complaint filed with the Presidential Complaint Center in Malacañang.
The Department of Health (DOH) released a statement addressing a letter circulating online that accused the health chief of frequenting casinos.
“Mariing itinatanggi ni Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Jose “Brix” Pujalte Jr. ang paratang sa kumakalat na liham ukol sa diumano’y pamamalagi ng Kalihim sa mga casino para magsugal,” the DOH stated.
Clarifying his whereabouts, Pujalte explained that his presence at a hotel on July 20 was strictly for an official meeting with local officials from Masbate and Sorsogon.
He emphasized that the gathering was focused entirely on providing aid to public hospitals in the region, rather than any recreational gambling.
“Paglilinaw ni Sec. Pujalte Jr., noong Hulyo 20, naimbitahan siya para dumalo sa isang opisyal na pagpupulong kasama ang mga opisyal ng Masbate at Sorsogon sa isang hotel,” the statement read. “Tanging ang pagbibigay ng tulong sa mga pampublikong ospital sa rehiyon ang pinag-usapan sa naturang pagtitipon.”
Pujalte took the helm of the health department on July 13, succeeding former Health Secretary Ted Herbosa following his resignation.