DOH assures proper procedures, consultations made in its hiring decisions

The Department of Health (DOH) said on Monday, March 20 that all its decisions regarding hiring and restructuring within the agency have been made through proper consultations and procedures. In a statement, DOH said that these reforms are part of the goal of the agency to continuously improve the systems and processes to better serve the Filipino people. A letter of unknown origin detailing various accusations against DOH Officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire addressed to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., has been circulating online claiming that it is from "All DOH officers and employees". The letter seeks to report "concerns/apprehensions/fears" of the employees of DOH and the state of confusion and authoritarian rules/ruler in the agency. The letter alleged that Vergeire is an "autocratic ruler" in the agency. It mentioned that Vergeire transfers offices, employees, and functions without any consultation nor consent of those involved. At the bottom of the letter, several officials including senators have been listed as recipients. In a text message, the Manila Bulletin reached out to Civil Service Commission (CSC) Commissioner Aileen Lizada, if she has received a copy of the letter. As of writing, she has not confirmed receiving it. "We are always open to having a dialogue with the concerned stakeholders on matters concerning the operations and management in the Department of Health," DOH said in a statement. "However, as they chose to remain anonymous, we will wait for the proper channels in order to do so," it added. The agency also mentioned that it would not be distracted from continuing its functions and duties in leading the healthcare sector to bring more responsive and quality healthcare to all Filipinos.