Edu Manzano Sparks Online Buzz by Sharing Article on Ralph Recto’s Possible Legal Troubles

Actor Edu Manzano has sparked significant social media interest after sharing an article concerning Executive Secretary Ralph Recto’s potential plunder and technical malversation charges linked to a controversial flood control fund diversion.

Manzano, who has openly criticized corruption tied to flood control projects, shared the piece without adding any personal commentary. Nevertheless, the post quickly drew attention, partly due to his past relationship with Recto’s wife, actress and politician Vilma Santos.

Edu Manzano was married to Vilma Santos for two years; together, they have a son, television host Luis Manzano. Their marriage took place in 1980 during the filming of "Gusto Kita, Mahal Ko Siya" but ended in separation by 1982. Vilma Santos later married Ralph Recto in 1992 in a widely publicized wedding famously called the "Wedding of the Century."

Manzano’s post went viral, amassing over 1,600 reactions, more than 330 comments, and 155 shares. Social media users responded with remarks highlighting the ironic connections, including comments such as:

"Husband ni ex-wifey"

"How ironic?"

"Ka-love triangle mo 'yan idol"

"Hahaha sige, awayin mo 'yang husband ng ex mo, boss, haha"

The shared article outlines the possibility of Ralph Recto facing charges if the Supreme Court rules that the Bureau of the Treasury’s P167 billion diversion of trust funds to support flood control projects was illegal.

Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio explained that P60 billion from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and P107 billion from the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) were diverted under a directive from the Department of Finance, then led by Recto as finance secretary. These funds were meant to remain within their legally mandated uses.

Carpio labeled the transfer as "unconstitutional," emphasizing that trust funds cannot be repurposed beyond their prescribed legal boundaries, thus underpinning the potential legal liabilities faced by Recto.

This development brings renewed scrutiny to the administration of public funds and raises questions regarding accountability at the highest levels of government.