A former Department of Health (DOH) undersecretary said he was removed from his post after pushing for upgrades in the government’s Mobile Primary Care Facilities (MPCFs), while raising concerns over the program’s functionality and implementation.

“With this, I was removed from my position for choosing to stand firm in advocating for an upgraded Mobile Primary Care Facility—one that genuinely complies with required standards and is capable of delivering safe, effective, and dignified health services to the Filipino people,” former DOH Undersecretary Gregorio T. Murillo Jr. said in a Feb. 14, 2026 letter to President Marcos, obtained by the Manila Bulletin.

In the letter, Murillo outlined concerns over the P1.8-billion MPCF procurement and distribution.

He cited findings from an Oct. 10, 2025 memorandum which showed that “only 25% of the distributed MPCFs are functional or capable of providing the intended clinical laboratory, diagnostic, and imaging services,” describing it as a “deeply concerning level of inefficiency, wasted resources, and unmet health care needs among the Filipino people.”

As such, Murillo flagged reports of non-functional units in several provinces, including Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental.

In other areas such as Siquijor and Zamboanga del Norte, he noted that equipment remained unused due to lack of reagents and trained personnel.

Despite these issues, Murillo said the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the project were still directed to be followed, even as he pointed out that a market study endorsed to his office “attempted to alter the upgraded Terms of Reference (TOR).”

Moreover, the letter showed that procurement documents, including the TOR, Purchase Request, and Project Procurement Management Plan, were transmitted for the acquisition of MPCFs with an approved budget of P1.8 billion, with subsequent evaluation yielding findings consistent with earlier reports on non-functionality.

Murillo added that the scheduled pre-procurement conference on Nov. 18, 2025 was later postponed indefinitely pending revisions to the TOR.

He also noted that the Health Facility Enhancement Program Management Office (HEPMO) had proposed upgrades, including improved X-ray specifications, provision of reagents, training, and adjustments to facility layout to address operational gaps.

While he no longer serves as undersecretary, Murillo said he remains committed to public service.

“Notwithstanding this development, as of this writing, I no longer serve as an Undersecretary, yet I remain, above all, a citizen of the Philippines who is deeply committed to the welfare of our nation,” he said.

“I shall continue to uphold what is right and to advocate for a health system that faithfully serves the needs of the most vulnerable and underserved sectors of society.”

The Manila Bulletin has sought comment from the DOH, but the agency has yet to issue a statement.

“We will share once available,” Arlene Arbas, the division chief of the Media & External Relations Division of the DOH, said in a Viber message.