With the perceived ouster of career health officials, Malacañang now stands accused of putting institutional stability and expert leadership at risk for political convenience.
The uproar follows the exit of Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire and other veteran DOH officials in what appears to be a politically motivated shake-up.
About 55 professional medical groups signed a joint statement expressing concerns of what observers see as the erosion of merit-based leadership in the public health sector.
Medical groups back Vergeire
The groups also cited Undersecretary Vergeire’s “unwavering science-based leadership and principled public service” most notably during the COVID-19 pandemic.
They emphasized that she was not only the face of the pandemic response but also “a model for integrity and good governance in public service.”
“We are therefore deeply concerned over her recent removal, along with other career DOH officials, who have demonstrated competence and dedication,” the statement read.
Vergeire’s replacement under scrutiny
On August 1, Malacañang confirmed the appointment of Randy Escolango as DOH undersecretary, replacing Vergeire.
No explanation has been provided by the DOH or the Office of the President regarding Vergeire’s removal.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin simply informed Health Secretary Ted Herbosa in a letter dated July 14 that Vergeire’s tenure had “expired, effective immediately.”
This has also put Escolango’s public health background in the crosshairs of professional medical groups.
“These actions — and the appointment of officials with limited public health background crucially needed in their roles — risk undermining institutional stability, demoralizing other health professionals, and weakening the public trust we have collectively worked to build,” they said.
Escolango previously held posts at the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, the Department of Labor and Employment, the Insurance Commission, and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.
Not yet due for retirement
Vergeire holds the rank of Career Executive Service Officer (CESO) II.
Under existing rules, CESO officials are granted security of tenure and may only be removed for just cause, through due process, or by voluntary resignation or separation from service under specific grounds.
Vergeire is 56 years old and not yet due for retirement, which is set at age 65.
Two other DOH undersecretaries — Achilles Gerard Bravo and Kenneth Ronquillo — also quietly exited the agency this year.
Unlike Vergeire, both had reached the mandatory retirement age and were serving in a holdover capacity until June 2025.
The medical groups urged President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to “protect and strengthen the foundations of professional, non-partisan health governance.”
They warned that political transitions “must not come at the cost of technical excellence or institutional memory,” especially as the country continues to face urgent public health challenges.
