President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Dr. Jose Brittanio Pujalte Jr. as the new Health Secretary on Monday, July 13, 2026 [1].
The leadership change at the Department of Health comes at a critical time for the Philippine healthcare system as the administration seeks continuity in public health management.
Teodoro "Ted" Herbosa stepped down from his post as Health Secretary to exit the cabinet [1]. Herbosa said health reasons led to his decision to resign [1]. His term as the head of the Department of Health lasted three years [4].
The transition occurs in Manila, where the Department of Health manages the nation's medical response and policy [5]. President Marcos Jr. acted quickly to fill the vacancy by naming Dr. Pujalte Jr. to lead the agency [2].
Herbosa's departure marks the end of a three-year tenure [4] focused on stabilizing the health sector. The appointment of Dr. Pujalte Jr. is intended to ensure the Department of Health maintains its operational momentum under the current administration [2].
Officials have not yet detailed the specific health challenges that led to Herbosa's exit, but the resignation was formalized on Monday [3]. Dr. Pujalte Jr. now assumes responsibility for the country's public health initiatives, and medical infrastructure [2].
“President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Dr. Jose Brittanio Pujalte Jr. as the new Health Secretary”
The sudden resignation of Teodoro Herbosa for health reasons creates a leadership transition within the Department of Health. By appointing Dr. Jose Pujalte Jr., President Marcos Jr. aims to prevent a policy vacuum and maintain the trajectory of national health programs established over the last three years.
