MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Monday welcomed the appointment of new Health Secretary Edwin Mercado, saying Malacañang's action helped resolve the leadership issues that have recently hounded the Department of Health (DOH) and threatened to disrupt the implementation of Universal Health Care (UHC).
In a statement, Escudero said the decision provided “much‑needed clarity and stability” for the agency, which he earlier urged Malacañang to intervene in to ensure the continuity and execution of the UHC program.
“We welcome the new appointment and we wish the newly appointed Health Secretary, Dr. Edwin Mercado, all the best as he takes on his new role as the administration’s chief implementer of its health programs,” he said.
Escudero also welcomed the designation of Beverly Lorraine Ho as the new president and chief executive officet of PhilHealth, saying her appointment complements the leadership transition at the DOH.
Ho, the current chief health officer of Ayala Healthcare Holdings Inc., previously served at the DOH as undersecretary and was health department’s deputy spokesperson during the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Dr. Ho’s appointment to PhilHealth further strengthens our UHC reforms. She has sufficient experience in public health and governance to continue implementing the reforms that the system needs," Escudero said.
