Jose Pujalte Jr.
Filipino surgeon and poltician
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jose Brittanio "Brix" S. Pujalte Jr.[1] is a Filipino orthopedic surgeon who served as the secretary of the Department of Health of the Philippines in 2026.
Jose Pujalte Jr. | |
|---|---|
| |
| 32nd Secretary of Health | |
| In office July 13, 2026 – August 10, 2026 | |
| President | Bongbong Marcos |
| Preceded by | Ted Herbosa |
| Succeeded by | Edwin Mercado |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Jose Brittanio S. Pujalte Jr. |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater | University of the Philippines Manila Ateneo de Manila University |
| Occupation | Orthopedic surgeon |
Education
Jose Pujalte graduated from the University of the Philippines College of Medicine in 1990.[2][3] He is also a master's degree holder in hospital administration, a credential he obtained from the Ateneo Graduate School of Business.[2]
He finished his orthopedic residency at the Philippine Orthopedic Center in Quezon City in 1994. He was recognized as Career Executive Service Eligible in 2008.[2]
Career
Jose Pujalte Jr. joined the Department of Health in 1991 and worked as a orthopedic surgeon in public hospitals.[4]
Pujalte also worked as a faculty member at the University of the Philippines Manila, Far Eastern University Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation, and San Beda College of Medicine[2]
In 2014, Pujalte became Medical Center Chief II of the Philippine Orthopedic Center where he previously served as Chief of Clinics.[3] He has also been president of the Philippine Orthopaedic Association (2009) and the ASEAN Orthopaedic Association (2010).[3][4] He has founded the Philippine Shoulder Society and was a founding member of the Philippine Spine Society.[5]
Health secretary
On July 13, 2026, President Bongbong Marcos appointed Pujalte as secretary of the Department of Health. Pujalte succeeded Ted Herbosa who resigned from his position.[6] He took oath before Marcos on July 14.
His health secretary tenure was marred with controversies. On July 31, 2026, a complaint was filed with the Presidential Complaint Center at Malacañang against him for allegedly violating Presidential Decree No. 1869, the Anti-Alias Law, and the Use of Fictitious Name under the Revised Penal Code by gambling at two casinos under the aliases "Louis Santos" and "Louiss Santos."[7] He denied the allegations, claiming that his visit to an undisclosed hotel was an official meeting with Masbate and Sorsogon officials.[8] Additionally, on August 6, health advocates filed a graft complaint with the Ombudsman against him for allegedly delaying a procurement of tuberculosis medicines to favor a specific supplier, an accusation he denied, citing a necessary review.[9][10]
After four weeks as secretary, it was announced on August 10, 2026, that he has resigned from the position, citing health reasons. He was replaced by PhilHealth President and CEO Edwin Mercado.[11]
Personal life
Pujalte has three daughters. His father was Jose Magallanes Pujalte, who was also a medical doctor and chief of the Philippine Orthopedic Center during the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.[4]