14/07/2026
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴.𝗧𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝗣𝘂𝗷𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗗𝗢𝗛 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗩𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀
MANILA, Philippines- Bohol 3rd District Representative Alexie B. Tutor welcomed the appointment of Dr. Jose Brittanio Pujalte Jr. as the new Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH), while urging the new health chief to immediately address critical issues within the agency, including restoring public trust and resolving vaccine shortages in various regions.
In her statement, Rep. Tutor expressed her support for Secretary Pujalte, but emphasized that his first priority should be the implementation of genuine and lasting reforms within the DOH.
I welcome the appointment of Dr. Jose Brittanio Pujalte Jr. as Health Secretary. I hope that he will prioritize restoring the integrity and credibility of the Department of Health," said Rep. Tutor.
Vaccine Shortages Affecting Children
Aside from agency reforms, Rep. Tutor also raised her concern over the continuing shortage of vaccine supplies affecting Rural Health Units (RHUs), particularly in provinces.
"I am deeply concerned by reports of vaccine shortages in some Rural Health Units. It is unfortunate that some infants are unable to receive their needed vaccinations because the supplies have not yet arrived. This issue must be resolved immediately and should be among the top priorities of the new Health Secretary," she added.
Strong Track Record and Experience
Despite the many challenges ahead, Rep. Tutor said that Dr. Pujalte has earned a good reputation in the medical community. He is respected by many healthcare professionals, including physical therapists, because of his extensive experience and significant contributions to the field of orthopedic medicine.
Preparation for the Commission on Appointments
Rep. Tutor also reminded the new Health Secretary to prepare for his upcoming confirmation hearing before the Commission on Appointments (CA), which is considered one of the most challenging processes faced by a DOH Secretary.
"I hope that Secretary Pujalte is prepared to face the Commission on Appointments. Historically, this has been one of the most difficult confirmation processes that a Health Secretary must undergo," she said.
Currently, Rep. Alexie B. Tutor serves as the Chairperson of the House Committee on Globalization and the World Trade Organization and is also a member of the House Committee on Visayas Development.
📷 Photo: PCO/Facebook
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