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'He should be axed': Health advocate calls for Herbosa's resignation amid PhilHealth controversies

Philippines | National

'He should be axed': Health advocate calls for Herbosa's resignation amid PhilHealth controversies

By Jel Santos

_{President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. meets with Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa and other Cabinet members at the Malacañan Palace on Jan. 14, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Malacañang)}

Independent health advocate Dr. Tony Leachon has called for the resignation of Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa, citing multiple issues plaguing the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

“Herbosa should resign with the PhilHealth’s fiasco reaching the Supreme Court, zero subsidy for PhilHealth in 2025 GAA, mismanagement of funds, and slow UHC implementation,” he said in a Facebook post on Monday, Feb. 10.

Leachon highlighted several concerns, including the absence of government subsidy for PhilHealth in the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), allegations of fund mismanagement, and the sluggish rollout of the Universal Health Care (UHC) program.

He also pointed to a Commission on Audit (COA) report detailing P11.5 billion worth of expired vaccines and medicines.

“He (Herbosa) has destroyed the gains generated by previous administrations,” said Leachon.

Resignation, according to the health advocate, would be the most honorable course of action for Herbosa, suggesting that he “should be axed like ex-PCEO Ledesma.”

Such statements come amid ongoing scrutiny of PhilHealth’s financial health and operational efficiency.

Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) commenced oral arguments concerning the transfer of PhilHealth funds to the National Treasury, a move that has sparked significant debate.

The Manila Bulletin has sought a comment from Herbosa regarding Leachon’s remarks, but he has not yet issued a statement.

On June 5, 2023, President Marcos appointed Herbosa as the secretary of the DOH. He was sworn into office the next day, June 6.

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