The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) held a turnover ceremony on 10 February, marking the official leadership transition from outgoing president and CEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. to incoming CEO Dr. Edwin Mercado.

Dr. Mercado, an orthopedic surgeon trained in the US with 35 years of hospital management experience, was appointed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on 4 February 2025. His extensive background in strategic planning, financial management, and primary care programs positions him to lead PhilHealth in fulfilling its mission to provide quality healthcare access to all Filipinos.

In his first address to employees, Mercado emphasized the continuity of services and expansion of benefits under his leadership, aligning with President Marcos’ directives. “Tayo po ay tumutugon sa direktiba ng ating mahal na Presidente Ferdinand 'Bong-bong' Marcos Jr., at ito ay siguruhing tuluy-tuloy ang ating serbisyo at palalawigin pa ang mga benepisyo (We will ensure that our services continue and expand),” Mercado said during the corporate-wide flag ceremony.

Mercado thanked Ledesma for his leadership, acknowledging the significant strides PhilHealth made under his two-year tenure, particularly in enhancing benefits.

Ledesma, in turn, reiterated his ongoing support for PhilHealth’s Universal Health Care initiative and affirmed that while leadership may change, the organization’s mission remains constant. “Our purpose to provide adequate health insurance coverage for all Filipinos remains the same,” Ledesma stated.

Looking ahead, Mercado committed to lowering out-of-pocket medical costs for patients, targeting a reduction from the current 45-47 percent to 25 percent. “Itutuloy natin ang pagpapalawak at pagpapabuti ng ating mga benepisyo upang lalo itong madama ng mga Pilipino sa tuwing sila ay magpapagamot sa hospital (We will continue to expand and improve our benefits to ensure Filipinos feel it when they seek medical treatment),” he pledged.

Mercado also highlighted the importance of accurate data to inform future benefit enhancements, aiming to ease the financial burden on members during medical treatment. “We aim to reduce the additional costs members face when they get sick,” Mercado said.

Additionally, Mercado intends to prioritize digitalization and modernization efforts to improve the member experience, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and streamline operations. “I will use my expertise to fulfill the corporation’s mandate,” he added.

With the support of PhilHealth’s 9,000 employees, Mercado promised to deliver positive updates to the public regularly, stating, “We will strive na every 30 days po ay may ibabahagi tayong magandang balita [para sa mga miyembro] (We will strive to share good news every 30 days for our members).”