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Philippine Health Secretary Herbosa resigns citing health; successor named amid pending graft complaints
Teodoro Herbosa stepped down as Department of Health secretary on July 13, 2026, citing health reasons after knee surgery. Malacañang appointed orthopedic surgeon Jose Brittanio Pujalte Jr. to the post the same day.
Jul 13, 2:45 AM·1m read1 source
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Teodoro Herbosa resigned as Department of Health secretary on July 13, 2026, after undergoing bilateral knee replacement surgery six days earlier. Malacañang announced the resignation and the appointment of Dr. Jose Brittanio 'Brix' Pujalte Jr.
As his replacement. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Herbosa resigned for health reasons. Herbosa stated in a Facebook post that months of rehabilitation and therapy could not be allowed to affect the department's daily operations, prompting him to submit a resignation letter.
Castro confirmed that graft complaints filed against Herbosa and other officials by anonymous employees played no role in the decision. The complaints alleged rigged procurement of mobile clinics worth 1.8 billion pesos and undelivered medicines valued at 1.5 billion pesos. Pujalte currently serves as medical center chief of the Philippine Orthopedic Center.
He previously led the Philippine Orthopedic Association and was recognized by PeopleAsia as one of its “Men Who Matter” in 2023. Castro said Pujalte is expected to continue President Marcos' initiatives to strengthen the national healthcare system.
