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Helen Flores - The Philippine Star
August 12, 2026 | 12:00am
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on August 11, 2026.
Noel B. Pabalate / The Philippine STAR
MANILA, Philippines — Newly appointed Health Secretary Edwin Mercado and Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) chief Beverly Lorraine Ho took their oaths before President Marcos yesterday and were directed to ensure more affordable and accessible healthcare for Filipinos.
Mercado succeeded Jose Pujalte Jr., who stepped down from his post due to “health reasons,” while Ho replaced Mercado as president and chief executive officer of PhilHealth.?
Palace press officer Claire Castro told a press briefing that the President expressed confidence in Mercado and sees no need to issue a new marching order, given his familiarity with the administration’s health priorities.
?In a social media post, Marcos said he expects the new health officials to “build on the reforms we have started and make health care more accessible, affordable and responsive to the needs of every Filipino.”?
“The mission remains clear: better care, stronger benefits and a healthier Philippines,” the President said.?
Mercado and Ho were joined by their respective families during the oath-taking in separate ceremonies at Malacañang.?
“The President’s directives are clear and our immediate priority is to ensure that we are fully aligned and ready to carry out his instructions,” Mercado said.
Mercado will soon meet with Ho and promised to “provide further updates once we have settled into our new roles.”
The DOH chief expressed confidence in Ho, saying, “She is a seasoned public health expert that started her career in PhilHealth, and we are excited to have her back – this time at its helm.” — Rhodina Villanueva, Kate Judson, Neil Servallos
