DOH chief on sick leave; on way out?

MANILA, Philippines — The secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) is sick and confined in a private hospital, amid speculation that he may soon be leaving the agency. A document obtained by The STAR showed that Health Secretary Ted Herbosa is on sick leave and has assigned Undersecretary Albert Domingo as DOH officer-in-charge. Herbosa reportedly underwent knee replacement operation on both left and right knees on Tuesday in a private hospital in Metro Manila. "In view of the sick leave of the undersigned from July 6 to 17, 2026, to be spent within the country, Undersecretary Albert Domingo is hereby designated as officer-in-charge of the Department of Health as embodied in the letter from the Office of the President,” read Department Personnel Order No. 2026-4549. Under the order, Domingo was tasked to act on matters related to the operations of the department, except for sensitive and policy-determining matters which shall be referred to the undersigned for appropriate action. Herbosa’s confinement in a private hospital came amid existing speculation about his potential departure. A June 15 report from Bilyonaryo News Channel, citing three sources, stated that former undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire is being considered as a possible replacement. Health has been cited as a reason for departures by several Cabinet secretaries under the Marcos administration. For instance, former labor secretary Bienvenido Laguesma officially resigned from his post on May 25, 2026, due to pressing “health considerations.” National security adviser Eduardo Año also resigned on April 15, 2026, due to “health reasons,” stating his condition requires “full attention and care.” Transportation secretary Jaime Bautista also stepped down in early 2025 “to give attention to his health.”