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[Updated Aug. 10, 2026, 5:25 p.m.]
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has named Philhealth chief Edwin Mercado as new secretary of the Department of Health.
The Cabinet reshuffle comes less than a month after Marcos appointed orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jose “Brix” Pujalte Jr. as health secretary, replacing Teodoro Herbosa.
“Itinalaga ngayong araw ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. bilang Kalihim ng Department of Health si Dr. Edwin Mercado na kasalukuyang acting president and chief executive officer ng PhilHealth. Naitalaga sa PhilHealth si Dr. Mercado noong February 2025,” Palace press officer Claire Castro said.
