REPRESENTATIVE Wilbert ‘Wise’ Lee, has demanded the resignation of Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa, citing his failure to address key healthcare concerns previously pledged during House budget deliberations.
Lee, known for his outspoken views, argues that Herbosa’s inability to deliver on these commitments necessitates his stepping down. The specific issues Lee cites remain unclear, but his call for resignation highlights a growing concern over the DOH’s performance in addressing critical healthcare challenges.
This development comes amidst ongoing scrutiny of the DOH’s handling of healthcare issues, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability. Lee’s demand for Herbosa’s resignation adds fuel to the fire, raising questions about the DOH’s effectiveness and its ability to meet the needs of the Filipino people.
In his filed House Resolution No. 2090, Lee cited the commitments signed by Herbosa and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. last September 25 during the House Plenary deliberations of the 2025 DOH budget, which were not complied with despite lapsed and looming deadlines of some commitments.
It can be recalled that the Bicolano lawmaker first floated the suggestion for Herbosa to resign last October 10 if the commitments he signed remain undelivered.
“Malinaw na ang DOH, bilang tagapamuno ng Benefits Committee ng PhilHealth, ang dapat na manguna sa pagpapatupad ng kasunduang ito. Kung walang balak si Sec. Herbosa na tumupad dito, ngayon pa lang ay magbitiw na siya sa puwesto. Dahil kung wala silang isang salita, ako mismo, kasama ang sambayanan ay maniningil sa pagpapaasa na naman sa milyon-milyong Pilipino,” the solon earlier stated.
Among the commitments made that have lapsed are the submission of a detailed and comprehensive plan with definite timeline to lower out-of-pocket medical expenses of Filipinos and comprehensive report on the availability of medicines and vaccines which was due last October 31, 2024.
Meanwhile, the commitment to implement a 50% across-the-board PhilHealth benefits increase that should be effective starting this November has yet to materialize notwithstanding the approaching end of the month.
“The document with commitments signed by Health Secretary Herbosa and PhilHealth Chief Ledesma is not only for their ministerial duties, but also for their genuine compliance to the Congress as an institution, and ultimately to the Filipino people who deserve a better healthcare system,” Lee said.
“Sec. Herbosa has intentionally misled the Filipino people into believing that he will fulfill the commitments made by the DOH during the budget deliberations,” he added.
Lee shared that despite follow-up letters addressed to Herbosa and received by the DOH office on October 7 and November 5, the Health Secretary did not respond to the call and did not comply with the said commitments.
“Nasaan na ang propesyunalismo at respeto sa Kongreso, kung sa mga sulat ukol sa kasunduang pinirmahan niya habang nasa budget deliberations at nasa records ng Kongreso ay di man lang sumagot? May polisiya ang gobyerno na nagsasabing dapat makatugon ang mga ahensya at opisina ng gobyerno sa mga sulat. Kung nagagawa ni Sec. Herbosa na balewalain ang Kongreso, ano pang aasahan natin sa kanyang liderato?” Lee said referring to the Anti-Red Tape Authority’s (ARTA) “3-7-20” policy which mandates government agencies to hasten the processing time of transactions to three (3) days for simple transactions, (seven) 7 days for complex transactions and twenty (20) days for highly technical application.
“The DOH and Secretary Ted Herbosa’s failure to resolve fundamental health issues reflects a lack of effective leadership and accountability,” the solon added.
