Independent health reform advocate Dr. Tony Leachon has emphasized the need for strong and principled leadership in the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), as he welcomed the appointment of Dr. Edwin Mercado as the agency’s new president and CEO.

Leachon described the leadership change as “an opportunity to restore hope and rebuild trust” in the institution, which plays a critical role in providing healthcare coverage for millions of Filipinos.

“This is more than just a change in leadership. It is an opportunity to restore hope and rebuild trust in an institution that millions of Filipinos rely on for their health and survival,” he said in a Facebook post.

He expressed optimism about Mercado’s appointment, citing his credentials and background in the healthcare sector. 

However, he underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in ensuring that PhilHealth fulfills its mandate.
 

“PhilHealth does not simply need a manager; it needs a leader with courage, vision, and heart. Leadership that is rooted not just in competence, but in the unwavering values of honesty, transparency, and accountability,” Leachon said.

PhilHealth’s financial standing

Leachon also pointed to ongoing concerns about PhilHealth’s financial situation, particularly the Supreme Court’s oral arguments regarding the management of its funds. 

He noted that these discussions highlight the need for strong governance to ensure the agency remains financially stable and capable of supporting its members.

“These hearings underscore the challenges PhilHealth faces and the need for leadership that prioritizes the health and well-being of the Filipino people,” he said.

Also, Leachon called attention to the reported absence of a government subsidy for PhilHealth in the 2025 General Appropriations Act, stressing the importance of sustainable funding for the agency’s operations.

Meaningful reform

Leachon urged the new leadership to take decisive steps toward reform, particularly in the first 100 days, to set a clear direction for PhilHealth.

“We need a PhilHealth that sheds the shadows of past challenges and emerges with a clear, renewed vision. The first 100 days of this new leadership must set the tone for meaningful reform—where every action, every decision is guided by the singular goal of fulfilling the promise of the Universal Health Care Law,” he said.

He also emphasized the importance of measuring progress and ensuring that policies directly benefit PhilHealth members.

“The lives and futures of our fellow countrymen depend on this. We must establish clear ways to measure progress because we cannot afford to manage blindly anymore,” he added.

Integrity and service

Leachon reminded PhilHealth officials of their duty to serve the public with integrity, saying that the agency plays a vital role in the healthcare system.

“It exists for the mother in the barrio who prays her child can see a doctor. It exists for the elderly man in the city who worries about affording his medication. It exists for every Filipino who dreams of a healthier, more secure future,” he said.

He urged Mercado to uphold the highest standards of leadership.

“To my good friend Dr. Mercado, this is your mandate. Lead with integrity, serve with purpose, and remember that the future of Filipino healthcare depends on your actions,” he said.