New DOH usec appointed

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has appointed lawyer Christian Lel Saquilabon as undersecretary of the Department of Health (DOH), following the courtesy resignation of Emmie Liza Perez-Chiong.

Saquilabon previously served as DOH assistant secretary and head of the Health Regulation and Facility Development Cluster, a post he assumed in July 2025.

Perez-Chiong confirmed her resignation yesterday in an interview over radio dzBB, saying she submitted her courtesy resignation to Marcos after newly appointed Health Secretary Jose Pujalte Jr. asked members of the DOH executive committee to step down to give way to the new leadership.

Pujalte assumed the health secretary post in July following the courtesy resignation of Teodoro Herbosa.

She said the move would allow Pujalte to set his direction for the department and choose the officials he wants to work with.