Malacañang clarified on Monday that Health Secretary Jose “Brix” Pujalte Jr. has not been placed under preventive suspension despite gambling allegations brought forward by various concerned groups.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that the complaints must undergo a thorough investigation to determine their validity.
She noted that the outcome of these probes will ultimately guide President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on whether any executive action should be taken against the health chief.
”Kung may ganito pong mga isyu ay dapat lang po talagang lumabas, kailangan pong maibestigahan at kung anuman po ang kalalabasan nito ay hahayaan po natin ang Pangulo na magdesisyon patungkol diyan,” Castro said.
While the Department of Health (DOH) has previously dismissed the claims, Castro emphasized that no solid evidence has been publicly produced to support the charges so far.
”Sa ngayon po na wala pa pong nailalabas na anumang, I mean concrete evidence. Maliban lamang po talaga kung ito talaga ay makatotohanan na, doon lamang po kikilos ang ating Pangulo,” she added.
Pujalte took over the top DOH role after former Health Secretary Ted Herbosa stepped down due to personal health concerns.