MANILA, Philippines — Health Undersecretary and spokesperson Ma. Rosario Vergeire has been designated as officer-in-charge of the Department of Health (DOH) until July 31 or until the next secretary is named.
Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles made the announcement Thursday.
“Si Dr. Rosario Vergeire has been designated as OIC of the Department of Health. Siya currently yung undersecretary for public health services ng DOH,” Cruz-Angeles said in a recorded video.
(Dr. Rosario Vergeire has been designated as OIC of the Department of Health. She is currently the undersecretary for public health services of the DOH.)
The Palace however did not say if President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. already had somebody in mind to take the health secretary post such that Vergeire’s designation was only as OIC.
Under Memorandum Circular No. 1 effective June 30, “the OIC shall perform the duties and discharge the responsibilities of the office until 31 July 2022, or until a replacement has been appointed or designated, whichever comes first.”
Echoing the memorandum, Cruz-Angeles said Vergeire’s role as the health department’s OIC may be extended if Marcos has not picked a health secretary by July 31.
“Ine-expect natin na kung wala pang naitatalagang pinuno ang DOH before that time ay ie-extend ang pagka-OIC. Titingnan natin kung ano ang mangyayari during that time,” Cruz-Angeles said in a press briefing.
(We are expecting that if no one will be designated as DOH chief before that time, her role as OIC will be extended. We will see what will happen during that time.)
DOH Undersecretary Rosario Vergeire. INQUIRER FILE
Asked about how many candidates are in the shortlist for the post, Cruz-Angeles said she does not have any information about it.
Meanwhile, the DOH thanked Marcos for Vergeire’s designation.
“DOH appreciates the President’s confidence in one of its career executives, including the immense responsibility such trust brings,” the health department said in a statement.
“Each and every member of the DOH family shall work together to continue the gains instituted by previous administrations. We look forward to continuing our recovery from the pandemic, and working towards universal health care for all Filipinos,” it added.
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