Ted Herbosa resigns as health chief; Pujalte named acting DOH secretary

Malacañang on Monday confirmed the resignation of Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, saying he stepped down due to health reasons. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has designated Dr. Jose Brittanio "Brix" Pujalte Jr. as acting secretary of the Department of Health (DOH).

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President accepted Herbosa's resignation after considering his medical condition.

In a message to DOH officials, Herbosa said a recent operation made him realize he needed to prioritize his recovery.

"I will be on extensive rehabilitation for three to four months, and I find it unfair that I will not be able to devote my full time and effort to important matters of DOH," Herbosa said.

Malacañang also denied speculation that Herbosa resigned because of complaints against him, maintaining that his decision was solely due to health reasons.

Pujalte, an orthopedic surgeon and career public servant, has served as Medical Center Chief II of the Philippine Orthopedic Center since 2014. He joined the DOH in 1991 and completed his orthopedic residency at the Philippine Orthopedic Center in 1994.

A graduate of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine, Pujalte also holds a master's degree in hospital administration from the Ateneo Graduate School of Business and has been a Career Executive Service Eligible since 2008.

He is a fellow of the Philippine Orthopedic Association, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the American College of Surgeons, and has taught at UP Manila, FEU-Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation, and San Beda College of Medicine.