Manila: Senator Pia Cayetano said Tuesday the appointment of Dr. Edwin Mercado to the Department of Health (DOH) and Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho to the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) could bring deeper institutional experience to the government's push for stronger Universal Health Care (UHC).

According to Philippines News Agency, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. appointed Mercado as health secretary on Monday, while Ho was named PhilHealth president and chief executive officer, succeeding Mercado at the state health insurer. Cayetano said Mercado's background in healthcare management, health financing, and UHC, including his recent stint at PhilHealth, gives him a broad view of the country's health system as he takes the helm of the DOH.

Cayetano remarked, "His experience and understanding of our health system will be valuable as the DOH confronts the challenges ahead," in a news release. As senior vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Cayetano mentioned her collaboration with Mercado, particularly on the national health budget.

She also highlighted Ho's years of experience at the DOH and her involvement as a resource person in congressional discussions on health legislation and the national budget. "Through her years at the DOH, I have seen firsthand her professionalism, competence, unwavering commitment to public health, and deep understanding of universal health care. I am confident that PhilHealth will benefit greatly from her leadership," Cayetano stated.

The senator expressed her intention to work with both officials to strengthen the country's health institutions and translate UHC reforms into more accessible services for Filipinos. "I look forward to working closely with DOH Secretary Dr. Mercado and PhilHealth President and CEO Dr. Ho to strengthen our health institutions, improve access to quality and affordable healthcare, and move us closer to our shared goal of a healthier Philippines," she concluded.