Metro Manila, Philippines – Health Secretary Ted Herbosa has resigned, with Malacañang citing health reasons after the Cabinet official underwent knee surgery.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro announced Monday, July 13, that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has accepted Herbosa’s resignation and appointed Jose Brittanio ‘Brix’ Pujalte Jr. as the new secretary of the Department of Health.
Asked whether Herbosa resigned or was dismissed, Castro said, “Nag-resign po siya dahil po sa kaniyang kalusugan.”
(Translation: He resigned because of his health.)
Herbosa said his recent operation prompted him to reassess his ability to continue leading the agency while undergoing months of rehabilitation.
“My operation has made me realize that I also need to take care of myself. I will be on extensive rehabilitation for three to four months and I find it unfair that I will not be able to devote my full time and effort to important matters of the DOH,” Herbosa said in his resignation letter.
When asked whether multiple graft complaints filed against Herbosa before the Office of the Ombudsman had anything to do with his resignation, Castro said the president considered only the health secretary’s medical condition.
“Hindi po nabanggit ang patungkol po diyan at ang isinaalang-alang po ng Pangulo ay ang kaniyang kalusugan.”
(Translation: That was not mentioned, and what the President considered was his health.)
Castro also introduced Pujalte as Marcos’ choice to continue the administration’s healthcare agenda, saying he brings decades of experience as a physician, hospital administrator, educator and public servant.
“Sa kaniyang pagpasok sa DOH, inaasahang pangungunahan ni Dr. Pujalte Jr. ang ahensiya sa pagpapatuloy ng mga hakbang ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. upang higit na mapatatag ang healthcare system sa bansa.”
(Translation: As he joins the Department of Health, Dr. Pujalte is expected to lead the agency in continuing President Marcos’ efforts to further strengthen the country’s healthcare system.)
Herbosa, a physician and former health undersecretary, was appointed by Marcos in June 2023 after the agency had gone nearly a year without a permanent secretary.
During his tenure, the DOH pushed to expand Super Health Centers nationwide, strengthened the implementation of the Universal Health Care Act, continued the Zero Billing policy for indigent patients in government hospitals, expanded specialty care programs, advanced digital health initiatives, and intensified campaigns on tuberculosis, cancer, cardiovascular disease and mental health.
His term, however, was also marked by controversies.
Herbosa is facing complaints at the Office of the Ombudsman over alleged irregularities in the purchase of mobile primary care facilities, medicines and vaccines, as well as questions over personnel appointments within the department. Herbosa has denied any wrongdoing, and there is no final ruling on his possible liability.
