A civic organization called Concerned Citizens and Taxpayers on Wednesday urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to immediately dismiss Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, while pressing for the swift resolution of multiple complaints pending before the Office of the Ombudsman.

The group said Malacañang must ensure that the investigation remains “transparent, independent, and impartial,” citing concerns that the process could be influenced — given that newly appointed Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla is a fellow Upsilon Sigma Phi fraternity brother of Herbosa.

They also elevated their concerns to Executive Secretary Ralph Recto through the 8888 “Sumbong sa Pangulo” hotline, alleging that their cases may be delayed due to Herbosa and Executive Assistant Allan Tope’s supposed claims of having ties to a certain Atty. Emman Pichay, who is reportedly connected to the Office of the First Lady and allegedly involved in several Department of Health transactions.

Among the complaints raised is the allegedly questionable allocation of P44.6 million worth of psychiatric medicines to the Rotary Club of Quezon City, a private group that is not licensed by the DOH. The complainants said such allocation violates standard disposal and inventory protocols.

They likewise cited the alleged misuse and unliquidated balance of P1.29 billion in cash advances intended for UNICEF, as well as delays in the liquidation process. Also questioned is Herbosa’s approval of an additional P524-million procurement request and what the group described as “inordinate delays,” up to 245 days, in resolving procurement protests.

The petitioners also raised what they claim is a conflict of interest, saying Herbosa allegedly maintains ties with Zuellig Pharma despite the company holding active procurement contracts with the DOH. These include the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (P674.1 million), Rituximab (P122.9 million), and the Chick Embryo Cell Rabies Vaccine (P24.9 million).

In addition, the group accused Herbosa and Tope of interfering in the P1.8-billion procurement of mobile primary care units despite not being part of the Bids and Awards Committee. They alleged that the Terms of Reference were altered in favor of a supplier previously linked to failed procurements.

The petitioners also cited what they described as unjust reshuffling and removal of DOH officials, saying the changes cause confusion and disrupt ongoing health programs.

They stressed that the public “has waited long enough” and called on the government to act decisively. “Not later. Not in the next ten years. Now,” the group said, adding that the allegations against Herbosa are “damaging” to the Marcos administration’s anti-corruption campaign.