Herbosa resignation pressed

A public health reform advocate on Friday called for the resignation of Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, citing the controversies hounding the official.

Herbosa, along with two other Department of Health (DoH) officials, is facing graft charges in connection with the P98-million radio show “PINASigla.”

The Office of the Ombudsman has been asked to place Herbosa, DoH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo, and Health Promotion Bureau Director Kristina Marasigan under preventive suspension to prevent them from influencing the case.

The Concerned DoH Personnel, Alliance for Clean and Transparent Government, and Health Workers for Change Movement said in a 24-page complaint that the three officials had conflicting roles as public officers and radio anchors of the show, which airs on various outlets owned by the Philippine Collective Media Corp.

The groups accused Herbosa, Domingo, and Marasigan of criminal and administrative liabilities, including grave misconduct, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, and violation of Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Likewise, in a statement to DAILY TRIBUNE, Dr. Tony Leachon said the controversies surrounding Herbosa “illustrate a troubling pattern of governance that undermines both the credibility of institutions and the welfare of the people.”

“Leadership in public health is not merely about managing programs; it is about safeguarding lives, stewarding resources, and embodying integrity in every decision,” Leachon said.

Leachon also questioned the transfer of P60 billion from PhilHealth to the national treasury, noting Herbosa’s role as chair of the state health insurer’s board.

According to him, the move raised serious questions of fiduciary responsibility, as “PhilHealth exists to provide health coverage, not to serve as a cash cow for fiscal maneuvering.”

“The absence of a subsidy for PhilHealth, coupled with the redirection of P42 billion to the Medical Assistance for Indigenous and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program, reflects a distortion of priorities, placing politics and patronage above the health needs of millions,” he said.

“The MAIFIP program itself, under DoH control and amounting to P51 billion, has been criticized for supporting guarantee letters and perpetuating patronage politics. This undermines the principle of universal health care, replacing equity with favoritism,” Leachon added.

Earlier this month, the Commission on Audit flagged the DoH over expired and nearly expired drugs and medicines amounting to P34.8 million, as well as other inventories worth P99.4 million.

“These cases are not trivial; they represent formal allegations of misconduct that demand an impartial investigation. Preventive suspension is not punishment but a safeguard, ensuring that evidence is preserved and influence curtailed while justice takes its course,” Leachon said.

“Taken together, these issues form a compelling case for removal. Grave abuse of discretion, technical malversation, and violations of the Sin Tax and Universal Health Care laws are not abstract charges; they are betrayals of the people’s trust,” he added.

Asked about the complaint, Domingo said he had yet to receive a copy from the Office of the Ombudsman. He also maintained that their hosting duties “are fully compliant with government rules and regulations.”