DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa – Photo courtesy of Philippine News Agency (PNA).
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa on Wednesday pushed back against claims that he is about to be replaced, saying he remains in office and continues to carry out the directives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The Health chief addressed the issue following reports suggesting that the President was already scouting for a new Department of Health secretary amid lingering controversies at the agency.
Speaking to reporters at Malacañang, Herbosa said there was no truth to talk of an imminent Cabinet shake-up, stressing that no official move to reorganize the administration had been announced.
“There’s no truth to that,” Herbosa said, referring to rumors of his replacement, while noting that Cabinet officials ultimately serve at the discretion of the President.
He said his focus remains on implementing priority programs ordered by Marcos, particularly those aimed at expanding access to affordable healthcare.
Among these initiatives is the Zero Balance Billing policy, which allows patients confined in ward accommodations at DOH hospitals to receive treatment, medicines and professional services without paying out of pocket.
Herbosa also cited the continued rollout of BuCas Centers, which provide free urgent care, laboratory services and minor surgical procedures, especially for poor patients.
The secretary’s remarks come as he faces multiple legal challenges, including cases filed in 2025 over the procurement of mental health drugs and separate complaints involving alleged conflict of interest tied to media activities.