The complainants also asked the Ombudsman to place the health chief under preventive suspension and file criminal charges against him. The complaint came a week after Mr. Pujalte denied allegations that he had been gambling at two resort casinos in Parañaque City under a fictitious name. The people’s money and the lives of Filipinos must be protected,” Mr. Pujalte said. The health chief added that he remains focused on protecting patients and strengthening the integrity of the agency’s procurement process. Mr. Pujalte was appointed Health secretary less than a month ago, replacing Teodoro J. Herbosa, who resigned due to health reasons.