DEPARTMENT of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said it would be ‘inappropriate’ to ask President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. as to why there is still no DOH chief despite the rising cases of COVID-19 and dengue in the country.
“Hindi naman natin pwede ring tanungin (we cannot ask that). It’s really inappropriate for us to ask the President why it’s taking long for him. Naiintindihan po natin ang proseso ng ating Presidente at ng kanilang mga opisyales doon na talagang mahirap talagang pumili ng ating mga opisyales dahil kailangan pong maging masusi ang pagpili kaya mas nagiging matagal pa (We understand the process of the president and his officials and it is really difficult to choose officials because it should be done carefully that is why it is taking so long),” according to Vergeire during the DOH online briefing.
Vergeire is also not expecting the president to explain to DOH officials when he will make the announcement and appoint a new Secretary of Health.
“Klaro naman po na meron siyang pinalabas, ang kanilang opisina na (I think it’s clear that he already issued, their office) MC [memorandum circular], ‘yung (the) circular number 1, kung saan nakalagay na doon kung ano ang dapat gawin ng bawat ahensya saka-sakaling wala pa silang (which states what each government agency should do in case there is no) appointed official,” according to Vergeire.
“Vacancy in the heads of departments, offices, agencies and bureaus where no replacement has been appointed or designated, shall be filled up by the next-in-rank and most senior official as Officer-in-Charge (OIC).” according to MC number 1.
“The OIC shall perform the duties and discharge the responsibilities of the office until 31 July 2022, or until a replacement has been appointed or designated, whichever comes first,” the circular added.
The DOH earlier said that it will continue to implement the current pandemic response protocols and all shall remain status quo until the president says who will be the next DOH secretary.
The agency also said that the actions in response to both COVID-19 and non-COVID in the country will continue through the top officials of the DOH leading specific bureaus, its offices and units.
Based on Department Personnel Order No. 2022-2357, the DOH said that DOH Undersecretary Lilibeth David will lead the Health Policy and Systems Development Team and the Health Facilities and Infrastructure Development Team; Undersecretary Abdullah Dumama for Field Implementation and Coordination Team and Health Regulation Team; and Undersecretary Carolina Taino will lead the Administration and Financial Management Team and Procurement and Supply Chain Management Team.
Meanwhile, Vergeire will manage the Public Health Services Team and Office of the Chief of Staff.