PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has accepted the resignation of Teodoro Herbosa as secretary of the Department of Health (DOH). He was replaced by veteran orthopedic surgeon Jose Pujalte Jr., Malacañang confirmed on Monday.
“He resigned because of his health,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said in Filipino in announcing Herbosa’s exit.
In his message sent to DOH personnel early Monday, Herbosa, who had been rumored to be on the way out for months now, said he opted to step down after undergoing knee replacement surgery, which he said would take “extensive rehabilitation for three to four months.”
Castro said the incoming secretary, Pujalte, is expected to bring to the DOH his more than three decades of experience as a physician, hospital administrator, educator, and public servant dedicated to advancing public healthcare.
She said the Palace is confident that Pujalte can lead the DOH in continuing the Marcos administration’s efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare system, improve access to quality health services, and promote better health outcomes for all Filipinos.Meanwhile, in a separate interview, newly appointed Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos denied having a hand in Herbosa’s departure.
“I just visited him at the hospital. I asked how he is doing. He’s a good friend. There’s no truth to the rumor,” Abalos said. “It was voluntary.”
In April, Herbosa said a so-called “DOH mafia” could be behind a series of complaints filed against him, including a graft case over the alleged wastage of more than P1.4 billion worth of medicines.
The complaints filed against him before the Office of the Ombudsman included allegations of conflict of interest and bid rigging, fund diversion and technical malversation, and unlawful appointment and misconduct. He also came under fire for taking on the role as radio anchor for a health program aired on DZMM radio, and was accused of using a government-funded media contract for self-promotion.
A source told The Manila Times that Herbosa told his staff that it would be unfair if he could not devote his full time and effort to important matters while recovering from his surgery.
He also apologized to staff, saying, “If I have failed anyone during my stint, I apologize. I’m only human.” Herbosa said he was leaving the agency stronger. “I guess you have seen the direction I have given DOH and hope you will sustain and institutionalize all the positive changes.” “It has been my pleasure to have served as your 30th secretary of Health,” Herbosa concluded.
New Health chief
A graduate of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine, Pujalte has devoted most of his professional career to government service, a commitment inspired by his father, Dr. Jose M. Pujalte, the former director of the National Orthopedic Hospital. He joined the DOH in 1991 and completed his orthopedic residency at the Philippine Orthopedic Center (POC) in 1994.
He also holds a master’s degree in hospital administration from the Ateneo Graduate School of Business.
In 2014, he served as Medical Center Chief II of the Philippine Orthopedic Center, leading the country’s premier specialty hospital in providing quality orthopedic care while strengthening hospital operations and patient services.
Pujalte completed advanced fellowship training in Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom, specializing in shoulder surgery, total joint reconstruction, spine surgery, and joint replacement.
Throughout his career, Pujalte has been recognized as a trailblazer in the medical profession. He is a fellow of the Philippine Orthopedic Association, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the American College of Surgeons.
His leadership roles include being the founder of the Philippine Shoulder Society, a founding member of the Philippine Spine Society, former president of the Philippine Orthopedic Association (serving as one of its youngest presidents), and a former president of the Asean Orthopaedic Association Beyond clinical and administrative duties, Pujalte has helped shape future generations of healthcare professionals as a faculty member at the University of the Philippines Manila, FEU-Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation, and San Beda College of Medicine, where he served as the institution’s first chairman of the Department of Orthopedics.
In a statement, the DOH said that with his over three decades of public healthcare expertise, Pujalte is set “to advance the administration’s efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare system.” Deputy Speaker and Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin, a former Health secretary, welcomed Pujalte’s appointment.
“I warmly congratulate Secretary Brix Pujalte on his appointment. I have worked with him before, and I have seen firsthand his professionalism, competence, and genuine commitment to public service,” Garin said in a statement on Monday, referring to Pujalte by his nickname.
“We fought together to keep our specialty hospitals public because we firmly believed that quality specialized healthcare should remain accessible to every Filipino, particularly the poor who depend on government health institutions,” she said.
“I am optimistic that Secretary Pujalte’s leadership will help advance President Marcos’ health priorities by strengthening primary healthcare, improving public health services, and ensuring that the benefits of government health programs are felt by every Filipino, particularly those in underserved communities,” she said.
Garin assured him of her support in pursuing reforms for the healthcare system.
WITH REINA TOLENTINO
