Health Group Questions Vergeire’s Removal and Appointment
MANILA, Philippines — The Alliance of Health Workers (AHW) voiced serious concerns over the recent removal of former Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire. The group also questioned the appointment of her successor, lawyer Randy Escolango, highlighting that he is a “non-physician.”
AHW expressed “grave concern” about Vergeire’s removal and criticized Malacañang for what they see as undue interference through Escolango’s appointment. They stressed that Vergeire, a career executive service officer (Ceso) with security of tenure, “cannot be removed without just cause and due process,” according to civil service rules. “Having long served the Department of Health (DOH), her track record and qualifications as a medical doctor and public health expert should have safeguarded her from arbitrary removal under these principles,” the group said.
“But why, then, was she abruptly replaced without transparency or due process?” AHW asked, underscoring the importance of clear procedures in government appointments.
Vergeire’s Service and Impact
Vergeire began her career at the DOH in 2007 after 11 years with the Marikina City Health Office. She gained national recognition as DOH spokesperson during the COVID-19 pandemic and later served as the agency’s officer in charge under the Marcos administration.
For many health workers, Vergeire’s sudden removal raises alarms. “If someone like Usec. Vergeire can be treated this way, what more for the rest of us, especially ordinary Filipinos?” the group questioned, highlighting fears about job security and governance in the health sector.
Concerns Over New Appointment
AHW also criticized the appointment of Escolango, who previously served in various administrative roles at the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, the Department of Labor and Employment, the Insurance Commission, and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. They pointed out that Escolango is not a medical professional and lacks a career background in health services.
“We question not only the decision but also Malacañang’s interference in appointing a non-health professional to a critical position in the Department of Health, especially now that our country continues to face numerous public health crises,” the health workers’ group said.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
The AHW urged the Civil Service Commission, DOH, and Malacañang to provide full transparency about Vergeire’s removal and clarify the grounds for this decision. They emphasized that political influence in the DOH undermines good governance and weakens the public health system.
“When institutions like the Department of Health, meant to be led by health experts, are influenced by politics, it undermines the principles of good governance and weakens the public health system,” the group added. They warned that the real victims of these actions are the Filipino people who depend on government health services every day.
“Having Escolango as DOH undersecretary clearly reflects this administration’s blatant disregard for the lives, health, safety, and welfare of health workers and the Filipino people,” AHW concluded. They questioned whether his appointment was truly based on merit or political considerations.
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