CA panel nods on Herbosa’s ad interim appointment as Health Secretary

The bicameral Commission on Appointments on Tuesday has recommended to the Senate plenary the confirmation of Dr. Teodoro "Ted" Herbosa's ad interim appointment as health secretary.

During the deliberation of the CA committee on health, no panel members objected when a motion to recommend Herbosa's nomination was raised.

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, who presided over the panel deliberation, thanked Herbosa for fully supporting the government's implementation of the Malasakit Center program and Super Health centers.

"We will continue to provide assistance to our indigent patients," Herbosa said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. named Herbosa as the chief of the Department of Health earlier this June.

In September, the CA bypassed the confirmation of Herbosa's appointment due to the "lack of material time."

Marcos has reappointed Herbosa.

At the deliberation, SAGIP Rep. Rodante Marcoleta and Rep. Ferjenel Biron supported Herbosa's appointment.

Pangasinan Rep. Ramon Guico Jr. believes that Herbosa is qualified for the health secretary post "not only by his professional experience but also because of his will and determination to pursue innovative solutions in addressing problems concerning the health sector."

Galing sa Puso Rep. Jose Gay Padiernos said Herbosa's veteran competence in the medical field will play a relevant role in addressing health issues in the country.

Herbosa was the country's special medical adviser at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic during the previous administration.