Ted Herbosa steps down as DOH secretary

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa has submitted his courtesy resignation to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. due to health concerns.

This came after Herbosa underwent a knee replacement surgery, as confirmed by Health Undersecretary Albert Domingo over the weekend.

“Today, I tendered my courtesy resignation as SOH (Secretary of Health) to PBBM. My operation has made me realize that I also need to take care of myself,” Herbosa said in a message to hospital officials.

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has accepted Herbosa's resignation, according to Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a briefing.

Marcos appointed Herbosa in 2023, replacing officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire.

Herbosa said that he will be on extensive rehabilitation for three to four months following the surgery.

Graft complaints

Meanwhile, Castro said there was no mention of the graft complaints filed against Herbosa before the Office of the Ombudsman.

“Ang isinaalang-alang po ng Pangulo ay ang kanyang kalusugan,” she said.

(The President took his health into consideration.)

Pujalte as new chief

Castro said Marcos appointed Jose Pujalte Jr. as the new Health secretary.

Pujalte joined the DOH in 1991 and completed his orthopedic residency at the Philippine Orthopedic Center (POC) in 1994.

Since 2014, he has served as Medical Center Chief II of the Philippine Orthopedic Center.

Pujalte graduated from the University of the Philippines College of Medicine and earned a Master's Degree in Hospital Administration from the Ateneo Graduate School of Business.

According to Castro, Pujalte also acquired a Career Executive Service Eligible (CESE) in 2008.

“Sa kanyang pagpasok sa DOH, inaasahang pangungunahan ni Dr. Pujalte Jr. ang ahensya sa pagpapatuloy ng mga hakbang ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. upang higit na mapatatag ang healthcare system sa bansa, maisulong ang dekalidad na serbisyong pangkalusugan, at maisulong ang mabuting kalusugan para sa lahat,” she said.

(Upon assuming office at the Department of Health, Dr. Pujalte Jr. is expected to lead the agency in continuing President Marcos Jr.‘s initiatives to further strengthen the country’s healthcare system, advance quality healthcare services, and promote better health for all.) — AOL/RSJ, GMA News