Health Secretary Ted Herbosa on Wednesday brushed off reports that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was planning to replace him amid online claims of a sweeping Cabinet shakeup affecting several senior officials.
“There’s no true to that,” Herbosa said during a Palace press briefing.
He cited earlier remarks by Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro dismissing talk of a Cabinet revamp, while stressing that all Cabinet members serve at the President’s discretion.
“I think Usec. Claire (Castro) already said yesterday that there is no revamp of the Cabinet. But, we in the Cabinet all serve at the pleasure of the President. If ever the President wants to replace me, that is the prerogative of our President,” he said.
Castro had earlier said no official information had been received regarding any Cabinet changes, adding that reports circulating online could simply be rumors.
Herbosa said he remains focused on fulfilling his duties, particularly the implementation of the zero-balance billing program and the expansion of the Department of Health’s Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service centers.
“I think we will continue to pursue the mandate of the President with emphasis on better care for all Filipinos,” he said.