Department of Health (DOH) officer-in-charge (OIC) Maria Rosario Vergeire on Tuesday said she is ready to be appointed as the agency's next secretary.
But she noted that the decision is still up to President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.
"I am ready to be appointed if that would be his decision pero hindi niya kailangan akong lapitan para maging secretary of health ako," Vergeire said during a press briefing.
For the past six months as DOH OIC, she said she has garnered experiences.
"I've seen a lot of things.... opportuniy that I can change, and lead reforms with. So, noong nakita ko iyan, nakita ko 'yung oportunidad," Vergeire said.
But she admitted that she has a lot of hesitancy due to the tenure of the position.
Despite her reservations, Vergeire said she believes it is the "appropriate time" for her to lead the department and help the country.
"The hesitancy is always there. There are a lot of issues and considerations pero mananaig pa rin 'yung gusto mong gawin," she said.
Vergeire previously said that she also aspires to take the said role.
Earlier, Marcos said he would only appoint the next DOH Secretary once the COVID-19 situation in the country is “normalized.“
Vergeire was tapped by the President as the DOH OIC in July 14, 2022.
