President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Acting President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Edwin Mercado as the new Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH), Malacañang announced Monday, August 10.
Mercado will replace Jose Brittanio “Brix” Pujalte Jr., who resigned from the post less than a month after his appointment. Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said Pujalte’s resignation was due to health reasons.
"Itinalaga ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., bilang kalihim ng Department of Health, si Dr. Edwin Mercado, nakasalukuyang Acting President and Chief Executive Officer ng PhilHealth," Castro said.
Pujalte assumed the DOH post on July 13 following the resignation of former Health Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa. His departure marks another leadership change at the health department within a month.
Mercado, who was appointed to lead PhilHealth in February 2025, brings extensive experience in healthcare leadership and hospital management. According to Castro, he served as president and CEO of various hospitals from 2000 to 2016.
"At nagsilbing President and CEO ng iba't ibang hospital mula noong 2000-2016," Castro said.
Mercado earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of the Philippines and completed a Master of Medical Science in Global Health Delivery at Harvard Medical School in 2023. He also holds an Executive Master's Degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of North Carolina in the United States.
With Mercado moving to the DOH, Dr. Beverly Lorraine C. Ho will take over as PhilHealth's Acting President and CEO.
Ho currently serves as Chief Health Officer of Ayala Healthcare Holdings Inc. She previously held several positions at the DOH, including Assistant Secretary from January 2023 to January 2024 and Undersecretary from July to December 2022. She also served as DOH Deputy Spokesperson from March 2020 to December 2023.
"Samantala papalit naman kay Dr. Mercado sa PhilHealth bilang Acting President and Chief Executive Officer si Dr. Beverly Lorraine C. Ho, na kasalukuyang Chief Health Officer ng Ayala Healthcare Holdings Inc.," Castro said.
Mercado's appointment comes as the administration faces the task of ensuring continuity in the implementation of the country's health programs, including reforms and the delivery of healthcare services under the Universal Health Care program.
PhilHealth has previously identified Mercado as a key official overseeing institutional reforms and the implementation of Universal Health Care.
