Marcos wants more affordable healthcare for PinoysMANILA, Philippines — Newly appointed Health Secretary Edwin Mercado and Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) chief Beverly Lorraine Ho took their oaths before President Marcos yesterday and were directed to ensure more affordable and accessible healthcare for Filipinos. Mercado succeeded Jose Pujalte Jr., who stepped down from his post due to “health reasons,” while Ho replaced Mercado as president and chief executive officer of PhilHealth.? ?In a social media post, Marcos said he expects the new health officials to “build on the reforms we have started and make health care more accessible, affordable and responsive to the needs of every Filipino.”? Mercado and Ho were joined by their respective families during the oath-taking in separate ceremonies at Malacañang.? Mercado will soon meet with Ho and promised to “provide further updates once we have settled into our new roles.”