The government’s steadiest voice during the corona virus (Covid-19) pandemic had been quietly removed from office and health workers are left wondering why.
The Alliance of Health Workers (AHW) expressed grave concern over the removal from office of Department of Health (DOH) undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, the agency’s spokesperson during the Covid-19 crisis, and her replacement by a non-physician and non-career health professional.
During the pandemic, Vergeire provided daily public briefings, delivered with calm and science-based explanations.
She also served as DOH officer in charge prior to Dr. Ted Herbosa’s appointment as secretary.
Dr. Vergeire is reportedly replaced by an Atty. Randy Escolanga, a move the AHW criticized as “interference” in appointing a non-health professional to a critical position in the agency.
Undersecretaries Achilles Bravo and Dr. Kenneth Ronquillo were also reportedly removed from the DOH.
When asked, Malacañang Palace simply said their term had “expired, effective immediately.”
Vergeire has yet to issue a statement on her removal from office.
AHW however said Vergeire is a Career Executive Service Officer (CESO), a designation that grants security of tenure.
“CESOs cannot be removed from their positions without just cause and due process, as mandated by civil service regulations,” AHW said.
“Having long served the Department of Health, 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 added.
Earlier, the Healthcare Professionals Alliance Against COVID-19 (HPAAC) also questioned the decision, saying it is not the right way to treat an official who provided “unwavering science-based leadership” during the pandemic.
HPAAC added Vergeire’s “calm and credible presence helped guide Filipinos through uncertainty, and her consistent engagement with the healthcare community earned her deep respect across sectors.”
AHW said Vergeire’s removal and the appointment of non-health professionals raises serious concern among the ranks of health workers.
“Is the appointment truly based on merit and qualifications, or is it driven by political considerations? If someone like Usec. Vergeire can be treated this way, what more for the rest of us, especially ordinary Filipinos?” the group adked.
AHW said Malacañang’s appointment of a non-physician as undersecretary clearly reflects the administration’s “blatant disregard” for the lives, health, safety, and welfare of health workers and the Filipino people.
When institutions like the Department of Health, which are meant to be led by health experts but are influenced by politics, it undermine the principles of good governance and weaken the public health system, the group said.
“Our health leaders must be pro-people and pro-health workers, with integrity, a clean track record, and an unwavering commitment to prioritizing public health above all else,” it added.
AHW said they demand full transparency regarding the Vergeire’s removal, calling on the Civil Service Commission, the DOH and the Palace to provide clear explanation of the basis of the decision. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)
