Health Secretary Jose “Brix” Pujalte Jr. denies allegations that he gambles at casinos, after a complaint is filed before the Presidential Complaint Center in Malacañang. According to reports, unnamed “concerned citizens” accuse Pujalte of being involved in gambling activities and also claim he is frequently seen gambling in casinos. The complainants further allege that Pujalte uses aliases, including “Louis Santos” and “Louis Santoss,” in different hotels, and they request an investigation.
In response, Pujalte and the Department of Health state that the allegations are unfounded. The DOH says Pujalte was only at a hotel recently for an official meeting with provincial government officials. One outlet reports that, in a letter to the Palace, the new DOH chief specifically disputes the gambling claims and characterizes his hotel visit as part of government business.
The complaint is presented as seeking review by the relevant oversight mechanisms, while Pujalte maintains that he has not engaged in gambling and that any hotel attendance was for official purposes.
