First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos has told newly appointed Health Secretary Edwin Mercado to deny any request for favors made by people invoking her name, stressing that there should be no “name-dropping” or special treatment.

In a social media post on Wednesday, Mrs. Marcos recounted her conversation with Mercado.

“Sec, if anyone comes to you using my name to ask for favors, feel free to DENY their request,” she said.

The First Lady underscored the message with a blunt reminder: “No name-dropping. No special favors. Period.”

Mrs. Marcos shared the exchange as she expressed support for Mercado as he assumes the leadership of the Department of Health (DoH), saying that she expects him to bring his “talent, energy and organizational skills” to making quality health care more accessible to Filipinos.

She described Mercado as a “supportive presence” during their previous activities and said she was pleased to see him take on the top DoH post.

“Excited for the plans ahead and all that you’ll accomplish. Knock ’em dead, Sec!” Mrs. Marcos said.

Mercado had served as president and chief executive officer of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. before taking the helm at the DoH.