MANILA, Dec. 5 -- Malacanang on Friday said it respects the Supreme Court's (SC) order to restore the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation's (PhilHealth) PHP60-billion idle funds that were transferred to the national treasury in 2024.

In a statement, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the Executive branch would abide by the SC's directive and ensure that the fund return is carried out in accordance with existing laws and budgetary procedures.

"Tulad ng lagi naming sinasabi bago pa man ang desisyon, susunod po ang Ehekutibo sa kautusan ng Korte Suprema, gaya rin ng pagsunod at pagtalima namin sa direktiba ng Kongreso noon na gamitin ang natutulog na pondo ng mga GOCCs (government-owned or -controlled corporations) para sa kapakanan ...