A simple turnover ceremony was held at the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) as outgoing PCEO Emmanuel R. Ledesma. Jr. formally handed over the reins to incoming chief, Dr. Edwin M. Mercado on February 10 in Pasig City. The event symbolized a smooth transition of leadership at the state health insurer.
Dr. Mercado, a US-trained orthopedic surgeon with 35 years of experience in hospital management, was sworn in by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at Malacañang Palace last February 4, 2025. His extensive background in strategic planning, financial management, and primary care programs positions him well to lead PhilHealth towards achieving its mission of providing financial access to quality healthcare for all Filipinos.
“Tayo po ay tumutugon sa direktiba ng ating mahal na Presidente Ferdinand “Bong- bong” Marcos, Jr., at ito ay siguruhing tuluy-tuloy ang ating serbisyo at palalawigin pa ang mga benepisyo”, Mercado announced in his first address to all PhilHealth employees who convened in a Corporate-wide flag ceremony.
Mercado thanked Ledesma for his leadership and emphasized his dedication to further enhancing the program for the benefit of all Filipinos. Under the two-year leadership of Ledesma, PhilHealth made significant strides especially in benefits enhancement.
Ledesma reaffirmed his continuing support to PhilHealth in the implementation of Universal Health Care. “Leaders may change, but our purpose to provide adequate health insurance coverage and to ensure that every Filipino has access to affordable, accessible, and acceptable health care remains the same”, the former PhilHealth PCEO said.
Meanwhile, Mercado, vowed to further lower out-of-pocket medical costs for patients down to as much as 25% from the current 45-47%. “Itutuloy natin ang pagpapalawak at pagpapabuti ng ating mga benepisyo upang lalo itong madama ng mga Pilipino sa tuwing sila ay magpapagamot sa ospital”, he pledged.
To do this, he underscored the importance of obtaining correct and relevant data that will be used as basis for future benefit enhancements. “Ito ay upang makamit natin ang hangaring mabawasan ang karagdagang gastusin na magmumula sa sariling bulsa ng ating mga miyembro tuwing sila’y nagkakasakit”, said Mercado.
The PhilHealth Chief will also prioritize computerization and digitalization using modern technologies to enhance member experience, strong engagement with stakeholders, and improvement of operational processes, “Gagamitin ko ang aking kakayanan at malawak na karanasan sa larangan ng kalusugan upang tuparin ang mandato ng Korporasyon”, he said.
With the help and support of the 9,000 strong employees, Mercado vowed to announce good news to the public, “We will strive na every 30 days po ay may ibabahagi tayong magandang balita (para sa mga miyembro)”, he ended
