Ubial still willing to work with government

MANILA, Philippines — Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial has expressed  willingness to continue working at the Department of Health (DOH) even after her appointment was rejected by the Commission on Appointments (CA).

“I’m willing to work in the DOH or any government agency or other agencies. I don’t really know what to do next but I trust in God. He will make the way,” Ubial, a career officer at the department, said.

On Tuesday, the CA finally rejected Ubial’s appointment. She was the fifth Cabinet official of the Duterte administration to be turned away by the CA.

The development caused disappointment among several health organizations that pointed out Ubial rose from the ranks by starting as volunteer rural health doctor in Kidapawan, North Cotabato in 1998.

Ubial said she had already accepted the CA decision.

“That’s life. We win some, we lose some. But I was prepared since Day 1. I know SOH (Secretary of Health) is a day job, any day you can be replaced. I’m just grateful to President Duterte for this opportunity that he gave me. Not in my wildest dreams did I expect to be SOH,” she said.