Manila, Aug. 10 -- Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero on Monday emphasized the need for stability at the Department of Health (DOH) to sustain reforms under the Universal Health Care (UHC) program and expand access to medical services nationwide.

This came as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. appointed Dr. Edwin Mercado as the new health secretary, replacing Dr. Jose "Brix" Pujalte Jr., who voluntarily resigned due to health reasons, Malacanang said.

Pujalte, who was appointed DOH chief only in July, had faced a complaint before Malacanang's Presidential Complaint Center alleging that he violated the prohibition on government officials gambling in casinos. He denied the allegations.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Mercado, who ha...