Lawmakers urge Herbosa to tackle PH health issues head on

MANILA, Philippines — Newly appointed members of the House of Representatives have urged Health Secretary Teodoro“Ted” Herbosa to prioritize different issues plaguing the country’s health system, including Universal Healthcare.

On Tuesday, former Department of Health (DOH) secretary turned Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin congratulated Herbosa but advised him on what he should focus on.

“What the DOH needs now is a manager that can steward the fast delivery of services to our people. This, coupled with a timely rebuttal of infodemics/fake medical news, can empower the Filipino people and help achieve what is best for all of us: a country delivering for its people,” said Garin.

Meanwhile, Bagong Henerasyon partylist Rep. Bernadette Herrera said that Herbosa’s appointment came at a pivotal time.

“We really need to get back on track to Universal Health Care and the modernization of the healthcare system at the local, regional, and national levels. The pandemic robbed us of the chance to implement the first stages of universal health care these past three years. We need to make up for lost time,” said Herrera in a separate statement.

Furthermore, ACT Teachers partylist Rep. France Castro challenged Herbosa to hit the ground running to focus on what the Filipinos need regarding their health.

“We hope that he would truly serve the interest and health issues of the Filipino people and not just engage in red-tagging or trolling,” said Castro, without alluding to a specific instance.

In 2021, Herbosa resigned as a Vice President for the University of the Philippines after controversial remarks he made online about actress Angel Locsin’s community pantry.

READ: UP Vice President leaves post after backlash on community pantry remark

Barangay Health Workers partylist Rep. Angelica Natasha Co said she hopes to see an innovative 2024 DOH budget soon.

“The next several weeks are crucial, especially with the budget formulation process already underway, and the budget hearings will soon ensue in Congress from August to December,” Co said.

Herbosa’s appointment as DOH Secretary was announced on Monday. As the first health secretary appointed into President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s cabinet, he took over for DOH officer-in-charge Maria Vergire.

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