Marcos appoints Vergeire as DOH OIC

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. appointed Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire as officer-in-charge of the Department of Health (DOH).

Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles announced this in an interview on state-run PTV-4 on Thursday.

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Angeles also said former LRT administrator Mel Robles had been nominated as general manager of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

At a news conference in Malacañang, Angeles said Vergeire would remain the OIC as long as no DOH secretary is elected even a month later.

“Tama po kayo na ang MC 1 (Memorandum Circular No. 1.) nagtatalaga lang po ng OIC hanggang sa katapusan ng buwan. Ini-expect po natin na kung wala pang natatalagang pinuno ang DOH before that time ay ie-extend ang pagka-OIC. But titingnan po natin ang mangyayari during that time,” said Angeles.

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When asked about the leadership and work of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Angeles said its work would only continue under the new administration.

Vergeire is currently undersecretary for DOH’s Public Health Services Team, Office of the Chief of Staff, and DOH spokesperson.

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Marcos appoints Vergeire as DOH OIC

“[The] DOH appreciates the President’s confidence in one of its career executives, including the immense responsibility such trust brings,” stated the released DOH 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.

Meanwhile, in a separate statement, Dr. Jose Rene De Grano, President of the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, said Vergeire’s nomination is a “good choice” until Marcos names a new Secretary of Health.

He stated that Vergeire was “abreast of the many problems at the DoH” as an undersecretary.

“I think as an Officer-in-charge, she is a good choice until [Marcos] has appointed [his Secretary of Health,” De Grano added.

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