Outgoing Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa on Monday, July 13, said he resigned from his post after undergoing bilateral knee replacement surgery, saying he did not want his rehabilitation and physical therapy to affect the day-to-day operations of the agency.

In a statement, Herbosa said his surgery was successfully performed on July 7 but would require him to complete physical therapy for his full recovery.

“Nitong July 7, 2026, naging matagumpay ang aking bilateral knee replacement surgery. Matapos ang operasyon sa pareho kong tuhod, kailangan kong makumpleto ang aking physical therapy para sa tuluyan kong paggaling (On July 7, 2026, I successfully underwent bilateral knee replacement surgery. Following the operation on both of my knees, I need to complete my physical therapy for my full recovery),” he said.

“Hindi pwedeng maapektuhan ng aking rehabilitation at therapy ang araw-araw na trabaho ng Department of Health (My rehabilitation and therapy should not affect the day-to-day work of the Department of Health),” he went on.

Herbosa said his rehabilitation prompted him to resign as health secretary, adding that he was deeply grateful to President Marcos for the confidence and trust extended to him during his tenure at the DOH.

“Dahil dito, nagdesisyon akong magpasa ng aking resignation letter kay President Bong Bong Marcos Jr. Buong puso akong nagpapasalamat sa kaniya dahil sa buong tiwala niya sa aking paglilingkod sa DOH (Because of this, I decided to submit my resignation letter to President Bongbong Marcos Jr. I sincerely thank him for the full trust he placed in my service at the DOH),” he said.

Meanwhile, the outgoing health chief highlighted several initiatives pursued during his term, including Zero Balance Billing, BUCAS Centers, PuroKalusugan, PhilHealth YAKAP, GAMOT, and eMAIFIP, while noting that more work remains to be done.

“Malinaw ang mandato ng Pangulo—gawing ramdam ang serbisyo publiko. Mula sa utos na ito, marami na ang mabuting pagbabago sa DOH. Ilan lang sa mga ito ang Zero Balance Billing, BUCAS centers, PuroKalusugan, PhilHealth YAKAP, GAMOT, at eMAIFIP, pero marami pa ang kailangang gawin para lubos na makamit ang Bagong Pilipinas (The President’s mandate is clear—to make public service felt by the people. From that directive, many positive changes have taken place at the DOH. Among these are Zero Balance Billing, BUCAS Centers, PuroKalusugan, PhilHealth YAKAP, GAMOT, and eMAIFIP, but much more still needs to be done to fully realize the vision of Bagong Pilipinas),” said Herbosa.

He assured President Marcos of his continued support for the administration’s goals for the Filipino people.

Likewise, Herbosa extended his congratulations to his successor, newly appointed DOH Secretary Jose “Brix” Pujalte Jr.

“Isang pagbati sa bagong Kalihim ng Kagawaran ng Kalusugan—Sec. Jose ‘Brix’ Pujalte Jr. Dasal ko ang patuloy na kaayusan at kapayapaan sa mahal nating bansang Pilipinas (Congratulations to the new Secretary of Health, Sec. Jose ‘Brix’ Pujalte Jr. I pray for the continued order and peace in our beloved Philippines).”