Medical, health groups concerned over ‘removal’ of Vergeire from DOH

Metro Manila, Philippines - More than 50 medical and health professional groups expressed concern over what they called the “removal” of former Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire from the Department of Health (DOH).

In a statement on Monday, Aug. 4, the groups appealed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to “protect and strengthen the foundations of professional, non-partisan health governance.”

They said they are deeply concerned over the supposed removal of Vergeire and other career officials from the DOH despite their competence and dedication to their work.

“These actions — and the appointment of officials with limited public health background crucially needed in their roles — risk undermining institutional stability, demoralizing other health professionals, and weakening the public trust we have collectively worked to build,” read the statement.

They urged Marcos to uphold the principles of meritocracy and civil service integrity.

“Political transitions must not come at the cost of technical excellence or institutional memory—especially at a time when the country continues to face urgent health challenges, including the recent calamities affecting our communities,” they added.

Tony Leachon, an independent health reform advocate, also echoed the sentiment of the groups, doubting that the removal of Vergeire was due to personnel change.

“To dismiss her without clear communication from Malacañang, and without the courtesy of a formal citation or recognition from the DOH, is both unjust and demoralizing,” Leachon, who briefly served as an adviser to the country’s COVID-19 task force, wrote on social media.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa confirmed last week Vergeire, who gave regular updates to the media during the COVID-19 pandemic, and two other undersecretaries have exited the DOH.

On the reason for their exit, Herbosa said: “I think two of them, age of retirement na sila [they were already at the age of retirement].”

In Vergeire’s situation, Herbosa only said: “You’ll have to ask her.”

Gregorio Murillo, a doctor and a former mayor of Tago town in Surigao del Norte, took oath as health undersecretary in July.

Meanwhile, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed on Aug. 1 that Marcos appointed Randy Escolango as health undersecretary, replacing Vergeire. The appointment paper was dated July 14.

Escolango, a lawyer, was appointed in July 2023 as undersecretary for the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, leading the Pasig River Urban Development-Project Management Office.