OATH. Edwin Mercado takes his oath as the new Philippine Health Insurance Corporation president and chief executive officer on February 4, 2025.

Presidential Communications Office

The Department of Health gets a new secretary again, just a month after Jose Pujalte Jr. replaced Teodoro Herbosa

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) President and Chief Executive Officer Edwin Mercado is now the new secretary of the Department of Health (DOH), replacing recently appointed Jose Pujalte Jr., Malacañang announced on Monday, August 10.

Mercado had been serving as the head of the state insurer since February 2025.