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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos appoints Philippine Orthopedic Center chief Pujalte as new Health secretary

Marcos appoints Philippine Orthopedic Center chief Pujalte as new Health secretary

Published Jul 13, 2026 12:23 pm  |  Updated Jul 13, 2026 02:02 pm

At A Glance

  • President Marcos has appointed Philippine Orthopedic Center chief Dr. Jose Brittanio Pujalte Jr. as the new Secretary of Health, replacing Dr. Teodoro Herbosa.
  • Herbosa reportedly stepped down for health reasons following a recent surgery that requires months of rehabilitation.
  • Pujalte, a veteran orthopedic surgeon and hospital administrator, has led the Philippine Orthopedic Center for over a decade and was previously endorsed for the DOH post in 2022.
Incoming DOH Secretary Dr. Jose Brittanio Pujalte Jr. (PTV)
Incoming DOH Secretary Dr. Jose Brittanio Pujalte Jr. (PTV)

President Marcos has appointed Philippine Orthopedic Center (POC) Medical Center Chief Dr. Jose Brittanio Pujalte Jr. as the country's new Health secretary, replacing Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, who reportedly resigned to focus on his recovery following a recent medical procedure.

The appointment ends Herbosa's more than three-year stint at the helm of the Department of Health (DOH), where he has served since June 2023.

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said that Herbosa tendered his courtesy resignation for health reasons.

It was reported that Herbosa opted to resign after undergoing a recent knee replacement surgery that would require three to four months of rehabilitation.

In a message to hospital officials and DOH personnel, Herbosa said his health condition prompted him to step down as he could no longer devote his "full time and effort" to the department's work.

Herbosa urged health officials to continue improving healthcare services for Filipinos.

"Please continue working hard for the health of the Filipino people," he said.

Herbosa's tenure also came under scrutiny in recent months amid allegations of mismanagement and other issues raised by several groups, some of which had called for his resignation.

Veteran orthopedic surgeon

Pujalte is an orthopedic surgeon who earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital in 1990 before entering the Philippine Orthopedic Center as an orthopedic resident in 1994.

He has served as Medical Center Chief of the Philippine Orthopedic Center since July 14, 2014, overseeing the country's premier 700-bed specialty hospital for orthopedics and rehabilitation medicine.

During his tenure, the POC completed and operationalized a new six-story hospital building in 2022, equipped with modern orthopedic diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitation facilities that became accessible to patients through PhilHealth benefits under the Universal Health Care Act.

Pujalte also served as president of the Philippine Orthopedic Association in 2009.

Pujalte is no stranger to discussions surrounding the Health secretary position.

In 2022, the Philippine Orthopedic Association publicly endorsed him for the post, describing him as "a brilliant leader" capable of steering the country's healthcare system through the challenges facing the public health sector.

The group said his extensive experience in hospital management and public health administration would make him "a big asset" to the Marcos administration.

Related Tags

President Marcos Bongbong Marcos Department of Health Ted Herbosa Jose Brittanio Pujalte Jr.
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