President Bongbong Marcos has named Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) President and CEO Dr. Edwin Mercado as the new Department of Health secretary, succeeding Dr. Jose “Brix” Pujalte Jr., who held the post for less than a month.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed Mercado’s appointment Monday, Aug. 10. Mercado has led PhilHealth since 2025 and brings years of experience in medicine, hospital administration and healthcare management.
An orthopedic surgeon, Mercado previously held various leadership positions in the healthcare sector before taking charge of PhilHealth. His experience includes hospital administration and health systems management, which are closely tied to the implementation of government health programs.
As health secretary, Mercado will oversee the country’s public health initiatives, including Universal Health Care, disease prevention, government hospital operations and coordination with PhilHealth to expand access to healthcare benefits.
His appointment comes as the administration continues efforts to strengthen the healthcare system and improve the delivery of medical services nationwide.
Pujalte assumed the DOH post on July 13 after former Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa resigned. His brief tenure drew scrutiny over an Office of the Ombudsman complaint involving the suspension of procurement for tuberculosis medicines and other health commodities. Pujalte said the review was intended to ensure proper procurement procedures and verify the quality and requirements of the supplies. He also faced separate allegations involving an alleged casino visit, which he denied.
Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho will succeed Mercado as PhilHealth’s acting president and CEO. Ho previously served as chief health officer of Ayala Healthcare Holdings Inc. and held key positions at the DOH from 2022 to 2024, where she worked on public health programs and healthcare policy.
