MANILA — Health Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa has resigned from his post, citing health reasons that would prevent him from effectively leading the Department of Health (DOH), a move that could trigger a leadership transition at the country’s top health agency amid ongoing reforms and unresolved controversies.
Herbosa submitted his resignation to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. after undergoing a recent medical procedure that requires three to four months of rehabilitation.
“I find it unfair that I will not be able to devote my full time and effort to important matters of the DOH,” Herbosa stated.
Herbosa informed colleagues that his doctors advised him to undergo months of rehabilitation, making it difficult for him to perform his duties as health secretary during that period.
A physician and former health undersecretary, Herbosa was appointed by President Marcos in 2023 after serving as one of the administration’s top public health advisers.
If accepted by the President, his resignation would end a tenure marked by efforts to advance healthcare reforms while facing a series of high-profile controversies involving the health department.
Among the issues that emerged during his watch were complaints alleging graft and corruption in the DOH’s P1.8-billion mobile clinic procurement program, criticism over expired medicines and the distribution of psychiatric drugs, allegations of bribery and misuse of public funds, and claims that the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program had been used for political purposes.
Herbosa has denied any wrongdoing, while the DOH has maintained that its programs complied with government regulations and were intended to improve access to healthcare services. The complaints remain under investigation./PN
