A public health reform advocate on Friday, 26 December, called for the resignation of Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa, citing the controversies hounding the official.
Herbosa, along with two other Health officials, is currently facing graft charges in connection with the P98-million radio show "PINASigla."
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 deter them from influencing the case.
The Concerned DOH Personnel, Alliance for Clean and Transparent Government, and the Health Workers for Change Movement said in a 24-page complaint that the three DOH officials have conflicting roles as public officers and radio anchors of the show, which is aired 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 service, and violation of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
Call for Herbosa's resignation
In a statement sent to the DAILY TRIBUNE, Dr. Tony Leachon argued that 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 likewise argued the transfer of P60 billion from PhilHealth to the national treasury, despite Herbosa’s role as chair of the health insurer's board.
According to him, it raises 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 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," he added.
Earlier this month, the Commission on Audit flagged the DOH over expired and nearly expired drugs and medicines amounting to P34.8 million and other inventories worth P99.4 million.
"These cases are not trivial—they represent formal allegations of misconduct that demand 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.
When asked about the complaint, Domingo said he had yet to receive a copy of it from the Office of the Ombudsman.
He also maintained that their hosting duties "are fully compliant with government rules and regulations."