Vergeire out; Randy Escolango is new DOH undersecretary

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has appointed Randy Bacolor Escolango as undersecretary of the Department of Health (DOH), replacing Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed the appointment in a text message to Palace reporters.

Escolango’s appointment paper was signed by the President on July 14.

ABS-CBN earlier published a letter of Lucas Bersamin to Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa informing him that the tenure of Vergeire as DOH undersecretary “has expired.”

The letter was dated July 14.

Vergeire served as DOH’s spokesperson at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

She also served as DOH officer-in-charge before Herbosa was appointed by Marcos.

Recent reports said Vergeire, Achilles Gerard Bravo and Kenneth Ronquillo, all Career Executive Service Officers, were no longer with the DOH.

DOH spokesman Albert Domingo confirmed their departure but declined to provide further details.

“Decisions of Execom members leading to their separation from the service (e.g., retirement, resignation, etc.) are personal in nature and treated with the utmost respect as to privacy,” Domingo was quoted by news agencies as saying.

Meanwhile, the President also named Maria Cristina Sheila Canag Cabaraban as a member of the board of directors of the Philippine National Oil Co.

Her appointment was also signed by Marcos on July 14. –  Rhodina Villanueva