THE Health Professional Alliance Against COVID-19 (HPAAC) yesterday questioned the surprise exit of Health Undersecretary Dr. Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire and two other officials of the Department of Health (DOH).
In a statement, the HPAAC said it is concerned over the unclear circumstances surrounding the exit of Vergeire as well as fellow Undersecretaries Kenneth Ronquillo and Achilles Gerard Bravo from the DOH.
“We are deeply concerned over her recent removal, along with other career DOH officials, who have demonstrated competence and dedication,” said HPAAC.
The umbrella organization of medical societies said their removal from the DOH is believed to be politically motivated.
They noted that the three former officials are all Career Executive Service Officers (CESOs).
“Political transitions must not come at the cost of technical excellence or institutional memory, especially at a time when the country continues to face urgent health challenges,” said HPAAC.
Worse, they said, is that the one appointed to replace the health officials has “limited public health background.”
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Undersecretary Randy Escolango as the replacement of Vergeire.
“These actions risk undermining institutional stability, demoralizing other health professionals, and weakening the public trust we have collectively worked to build,” said HPAAC.
In contrast, HPAAC noted that Vergeire was able to showcase science-based leadership and principled public service while with the DOH.
They said this was especially evident during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
“She was not only the face of the pandemic response, but also a model for integrity and good governance in public service,” said HPAAC.
Earlier, reports came out that Vergeire, Ronquillo, and Bravo are no longer with the DOH.
Members of HPAAC include the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), Philippine Association of Medical Technologists, Inc. (PAMET), Philippine League of Government and Private Midwives Inc. (PLGPM), Philippine College of Physicians (PCP), Philippine Academy of Family Physicians, Inc. (PAFP), Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS), Philippine Academic Society of Social and Community Medicine (PASCOM), Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology (PAO), Philippine Academy of Pediatric Pulmonologists (PAPP), and Philippine Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine (PARM).
Also part of HPAAC are the Philippine Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (PAPRAS), Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (PCEDM), Philippine College of Geriatric Medicine (PCGM), Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS), Philippine Heart Association (PHA), Philippine Neurological Association (PNA), Philippine Orthopedic Association (POA), Philippine Psychiatric Association (PPA), Philippine Rheumatology Association (PRA), and Philippine Society of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID).
