A group of health workers known as Concerned Health Workers of the Department of Health (DOH) has called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to implement comprehensive reforms within the agency. They emphasized the importance of capability and integrity as the criteria for appointing officials rather than favoritism.
In a letter addressed to the President and the Civil Service Commission (CSC), the group expressed concerns regarding issues of efficiency, accountability, and management within the DOH. They referenced the CY 2025 Executive Committee Performance Ranking, where the office of Assistant Secretary Frances Mae Cherryl Mae K. Ontalan achieved the highest accomplishment rate at 88.24%, followed by the offices of Undersecretaries Emmie Liza Perez-Chiong and Maria Rosario Vergeire.
However, the health workers noted that some offices failed to submit their performance reports on time, with some not submitting at all. These offices hold significant responsibilities such as finance, procurement, supply chain management, and the implementation of Universal Health Care.
Additionally, the group raised concerns over the removal of certain officials with high performance ratings, arguing that these actions contradict the principles of merit and competitiveness in public service. They also cited complaints related to graft and corruption against several officials, particularly concerning supply chain management, expired medical supplies, and questionable procurement projects.