30/07/2025
A Shake-Up at the DOH: Questions of Integrity and Leadership
The recent abrupt dismissal of three Undersecretaries of Health—USec Singh, USec Bravo, and USec Ronquillo—by Secretary of Health Teodoro Herbosa raises urgent questions not only about the direction of the Department of Health (DOH) but also about the integrity of its leadership. This decision appears not merely as a routine reshuffling but rather as a hasty, inexplicable act driven by personal motives and biases that can potentially erode public trust in the administration's healthcare agenda.
In recent days, Secretary Herbosa has engaged in significant changes within the DOH, yet the removal of these three dedicated Undersecretaries seems devoid of clear justification. Their abrupt ousting has caused confusion, disappointment, and embarrassment among the public and health professionals alike. Such sentiments were echoed even during the flag-raising ceremony, where the union head openly condemned the Secretary’s actions, signaling widespread disagreement within the department.
Moreover, the three positions vacated were swiftly filled by individuals seemingly handpicked by the Secretary himself, cloaked under the premise of promoting growth and improvement within the department. However, this façade raises a crucial question: Is this truly about enhancing the DOH, or is it a tactical move to protect personal interests? The insinuation that USec Bravo and USec Ronquillo, both of whom are still several years from retirement, posed a threat to Herbosa’s ambitions is troubling. Equally disconcerting is the suggestion that USec Singh, a woman of notable principle, was seen as an obstacle to the Secretary’s hold on power.
Further complicating the situation is the Secretary’s unchecked authority to relay information to the President, allowing him to shape the narrative around these firings to suit his agenda. Alongside this, a recent Department Order has diminished the responsibilities of the current Undersecretaries, rendering them less significant compared to their Assistant Secretary counterparts. Such actions suggest an ongoing trend of sidelining those who may challenge the status quo within the DOH.
While the Secretary of Health has the right to assign duties as he sees fit, it's imperative that these assignments are grounded in reason and aligned with the broader goal of effective governance. The current reality, where Assistant Secretaries are managing heavier workloads than their Undersecretary counterparts, undermines the very foundations of an efficient governmental structure.
The fallout from these actions is palpable. Trust has been eroded among DOH personnel, and the public continues to receive potentially misleading information, unfairly implicating the current administration in the Secretary's decisions. This environment of distrust and misinformation does not bode well for the administration's credibility or its ability to effectively manage public health.
Given the considerable implications of the Secretary’s actions on both the DOH and the administration as a whole, it is imperative for the current leadership to intervene. Whether it involves reversing these decisions or taking decisive action against those perpetuating this turmoil, the administration must act to restore confidence and clarity within the DOH. The health of the nation depends on transparent, principled leadership—one that prioritizes the greater good over personal ambition. The time for accountability is now.
