Edwin Mercado Appointed New Health Secretary After Pujalte Resigns

Dr. Edwin Mercado was appointed as the new Secretary of the Department of Health on August 10, 2026, following the resignation of Dr. Jose Brix Pujalte Jr. less than a month after Pujalte took office. The announcement was made by Malacañang Palace, with Mercado set to lead the health department amid a period of leadership transition.

Pujalte, a veteran orthopedic surgeon, was appointed to the position on July 13, 2026, succeeding Teodoro Herbosa, who also left for health reasons. Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro stated that Pujalte resigned voluntarily due to health concerns. His departure came after two separate complaints were filed against him. On July 31, a complaint was submitted to the Presidential Complaint Center alleging that Pujalte had frequented major casinos, an act prohibited for government officials under Presidential Decree No. 1869. On August 5, a group of medical practitioners and health advocates filed a complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman, accusing Pujalte of deliberately stalling the procurement of tuberculosis drugs to favor a specific supplier. Pujalte denied the allegations, calling the complaint a "demolition job" and stating...