MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang on Friday said it saddened by the involvement of Filipinos in a US health insurance program scam but is leaving it up to American authorities to prosecute the Filipinos involved in the fraud.

At the same time, Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye reminded Filipinos abroad to "act accordingly" because they are carrying the name of the country wherever they are.

Seventeen people have been convicted so far for the scam that involved doctors, hospitals, and clinics conspiring with American veterans to submit more than $100 million in bogus claims over the past decade.

News reports say a Filipino doctor suspected of involvement in the scam has been arrested in Guam.

Bunye said he was saddened by the alleged involvement of Filipinos, adding that incidents like this could overshadow Filipinos? achievements in various fields.

"Sana hindi na ito maulit [We hope this doesn?t happen again]," he added.

"Ito'y nangyari sa labas ng ating bansa kaya anumang [This happened outside the country therefore any] violation will have to be prosecuted under the law of the US. We have nothing to do with the prosecution of this case," Bunye said.