MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – President Bongbong Marcos has been criticized for his failure to appoint a Health Secretary for almost a year. Critics have said that this should been a priority with the Philippines just coming out of the negative impact of Covid-19 not only on the health of Filipinos but of the economy in general.

Marcos, however, appointed Health Undersecretary Maria Vergeire as Office-in-Charge.

Vergeire had previously said she was not interested nor ready to be the top official of the department.

But early this year, Vergeire said she was now ready to become Health Secretary.

Too bad.

Marcos was not ready for her, as the president has just appointed a new Health Secretary, Dr. Teodoro Herbosa.

Moral of the story: never say never because it may come back to haunt you.