Edwin Mercado takes oath as acting DOH secretary

Edwin Mercado has taken his oath as the new secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday afternoon, Malacañang announced.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. administered Mercado’s oath of office.

Aside from Mercado, Beverly Lorraine Ho also took her oath as president and chief executive officer of the Philippine Health Corporation (PhilHealth).

“Together, we will build on the reforms we have started and make healthcare more accessible, affordable and responsive to the needs of every Filipino,” said Marcos in a statement on Facebook.

“The mission remains clear. Better care, stronger benefits and a healthier Philippines,” he added.

READ: Who is Edwin Mercado, the new DOH chief?

Mercado replaced Jose “Brix” Pujalte Jr., who stepped down less than a month after taking office.

Mercado had served as acting president and chief executive officer of the PhilHealth since February 2025. With his new appointment, Ho will replace him in leading the state health insurer. —VAL, GMA News