In a rare show of unity, 64 medical organizations have voiced strong concern over the recent removal of Dr. Maria Rosario Clarissa Singh-Vergeire from her position as Undersecretary of the Department of Health (DOH). Vergeire, a familiar face during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, was lauded for her calm, data-driven leadership and consistent public communication.
In a joint statement released Monday, the Healthcare Professionals Alliance Against COVID-19 (HPAAC) described Vergeire as a “calm and credible presence” during the country’s most challenging health crisis. The group expressed deep apprehension over her exit, along with the departure of two other senior DOH officials, warning that such moves may jeopardize the agency’s institutional integrity.
“These actions risk undermining institutional stability, demoralizing health professionals, and weakening public trust,” the statement read. The coalition questioned the qualifications of the new appointees, citing their limited public health backgrounds, which are crucial for addressing current health challenges and disasters.
Vergeire, a long-time civil servant and Career Executive Service Officer (CESO), was part of the DOH Executive Committee and had played a pivotal role in shaping the department’s pandemic response. While no official reason has been disclosed for her departure, DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo confirmed that decisions regarding the exits of Vergeire and others “cannot be disclosed.”
The medical community emphasized that while political appointments are expected, they must not override technical competence and institutional memory. “Political transitions must not come at the cost of technical excellence,” the statement stressed.
Among the signatories are some of the country’s most respected professional medical associations, including the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), Philippine College of Physicians (PCP), and Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS). The alliance includes representatives from nearly all areas of medicine—ranging from pediatrics and geriatrics to neurology, cardiology, and emergency medicine—highlighting the breadth of support for Vergeire.
HPAAC urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to uphold professional, non-partisan health governance and ensure the integrity of the health department during ongoing and future public health challenges.
As the nation continues to face threats from infectious diseases and disaster-related health crises, the call to preserve and prioritize technical leadership in the DOH has never been louder.