President Marcos Appoints Dr. Edwin Mercado as New CEO of PhilHealth
February 4, 2025 – In a significant reshuffle within the Philippine government’s healthcare leadership, President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. has appointed Dr. Edwin Mercado as the new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). Dr. Mercado’s appointment comes following a tumultuous period for PhilHealth under his predecessor, Emmanuel Ledesma Jr., who has now stepped down from the role.
Dr. Mercado officially took his oath of office before President Marcos earlier today, marking the start of his tenure in a position that is crucial to the implementation of Universal Health Care in the Philippines. His selection arrives amidst rising concerns from health advocates regarding the management and transfer of funds within PhilHealth, particularly a controversial transfer of PHP 60 billion (approximately USD 1.06 billion) to the national treasury, which opponents have dubbed a “murder” of Universal Healthcare.
Concerns Over Fund Transfers
The transfer of funds has been subject to scrutiny, with the Supreme Court issuing a temporary restraining order to halt further transfers of PhilHealth funds to the national treasury, highlighting the ongoing legal and ethical debates surrounding the organization’s financial decisions. Currently, PhilHealth has confirmed that of the PHP 60 billion, only PHP 29.9 billion remains with the agency. The organization anticipates that an additional PHP 89.9 billion in excess funds may be gradually transferred to state coffers moving forward.
Dr. Mercado’s Qualifications and Vision
Dr. Mercado comes to the position with an impressive background in healthcare management. Prior to his appointment, he served as the vice chairman of the Mercado General Hospital and the Qualimed Health Network since March 2021, where he showcased his leadership capabilities alongside strategic planning expertise.
His academic accolades include a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of the Philippines (UP), earned in 1987, and more recently, a Master of Medical Sciences in Global Health Delivery from Harvard Medical School, completed in 2023. Additionally, Dr. Mercado holds an Executive Master’s in Healthcare Administration from the University of North Carolina, further underscoring his readiness for the challenges he faces at PhilHealth.
Dr. Mercado has also engaged in advocacy efforts with the Zuellig Family Foundation and various Centers for Health Development under the Department of Health (DOH), aligning with his commitment to healthcare improvement and accessibility.
Support from Health Officials
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, who also chairs the PhilHealth Board of Directors, expressed gratitude towards President Marcos for the appointment and optimism about Dr. Mercado’s prospective contributions to the organization. “Dr. Mercado is also actively involved in health economics work aligned with the Universal Health Care Act,” Herbosa remarked, reflecting the collaborative spirit the DOH hopes to establish with the newly appointed CEO.
Secretary Herbosa also took a moment to acknowledge Emmanuel Ledesma Jr.’s contributions during his tenure at PhilHealth, recognizing the importance of stable leadership in navigating the complexities of the nation’s healthcare insurance system.
As Dr. Mercado embarks on his new role, stakeholders in the Philippine healthcare sector will be keenly observing how he addresses the current challenges facing PhilHealth, particularly the implementation of sustainable health financing and ensuring the effective delivery of health services under the Universal Health Care framework.
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