DOH Undersecretary Resigns Following New Secretary's Appointment

Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Dr. Emmie Liza Perez Chiong has tendered her resignation following the appointment of Dr. Jose Pujalte Jr. as the agency’s new secretary. Chiong confirmed her resignation to Super Radyo dzBB on Sunday, saying that the move was to give way to the new leadership of DOH. “Technically, when the new secretary arrived early on nu'ng July, nag-ask siya ng courtesy resig sa ExCom. Pero ako po nag-submit ng courtesy resignation to the President, who was my appointing authority, so it was dated July 15,” Chiong said. “So para din bigyan ng daan kung anong gustong direction ng bagong secretary, and he can choose the people who work for him, and I respect that, the new secretary,” she added. Before resigning, Chiong handled oral health and medical tourism in DOH. She told dzBB that Assistant Secretary Christian Lel Saquilabon will take her new post. “Ang nakalagay sa paper ng Malacañang si Asec Lel Saquilabon, pero Asec Lel has been with the department. We have worked together, and wala naman po kaming problema,” Chiong said. “Ang akin lang, kung ano po 'yung nagawa ko, sana higitan niya pa kasi po ang aking pinaglalaban sa department ay hindi napapansin na aspeto ng kalusugan, [ang] oral health and medical tourism ng bansa,” she added. As to when it will take effect and whether Chiong will continue to serve in the Communications Office of the DOH, she said to wait for Pujalte’s announcement. “I really don't know yet. Sec. Brix will definitely issue a new DPO (Department Personnel Order)," Chiong told GMA News Online in a Viber message. Pujalte’s appointment in July came after former health secretary Ted Herbosa submitted his courtesy resignation to Marcos due to health concerns.