Malacañang on Tuesday said the graft and administrative complaints filed against former Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa before the Office of the Ombudsman were not considered in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to accept his resignation.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro reiterated that Herbosa’s health condition was the primary reason the President accepted his resignation.
Castro said Marcos also wanted to prevent disruptions in the operations of the DOH, prompting the appointment of Dr. Brittanio Pujalte Jr. as the new health secretary.
“Sa ating pagkakaalam ay hindi ito naging usapin… Ang ibinigay na impormasyon sa atin ay dahil nga sa kalusugan ni Secretary Ted Herbosa,” Castro said.
“To our knowledge, this was not a point of contention. The information given to us is because of the health of Secretary Ted Herbosa,” she added.
Among the complaints filed against Herbosa were allegations of bid rigging and manipulation of technical specifications in the P1.8-billion procurement of mobile primary care clinics.
Other complaints involved the alleged wastage of P1.5 billion worth of undelivered or expired medicines and vaccines and the alleged P14 billion in unpaid allowances for health workers, among others.
Meanwhile, Castro clarified that the mandate of Cabinet Secretary (CabSec) Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. does not include pursuing controversial personalities and fugitives from justice.
She said officials and government agencies are already assigned to handle cases involving wanted individuals.
“May naka-assign na nga po kasi diyan na mga opisyal at puwede naman iutos ito ng Pangulo pero sa tingin natin ay hindi pa naman ito ang pinaka-mandato ng CabSec,” Castro said.
“There are already officials assigned there, and while the President could issue an order, in our view, this does not fall within the primary mandate of the CabSec,” she added.
Castro said Abalos’ responsibilities include ensuring that the public feels the impact of government programs and that citizens’ needs and concerns are addressed, including those raised through the Presidential Action Center and Hotline 8888.
Before resigning as interior and local government secretary in 2025 to run for senator, Abalos was involved in efforts that led to the arrest of former Negros Oriental representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. in Timor-Leste.
During Abalos’ tenure, authorities under the Department of the Interior and Local Government also arrested former President Rodrigo Duterte and pastor Apollo Quiboloy.