Former DOH Official Maria Rosario Vergeire Under Consideration for Medical Regulatory Board Position
The Professional Regulation Commission has announced that Maria Rosario Vergeire, former officer-in-charge of the Department of Health, is being considered for appointment as a member of the Professional Regulatory Board of Medicine. This development marks a potential new chapter in Vergeire's distinguished public health career following her departure from the DOH in July 2025.
Public Announcement and Background Check Process
In an official public notice, the PRC disclosed that Vergeire is among the nominees being evaluated for the regulatory position. The commission stated: "The PRC publishes the list of applicants/nominees for the purpose of inviting anyone to inform the Commission of any derogatory information against any of them, which may render him/her unfit for the position as chairperson/member of the Professional Regulatory Board." This transparency measure allows for public input regarding candidates' qualifications and suitability for the important regulatory role.
Vergeire's Extensive Public Health Experience
Maria Rosario Vergeire brings substantial experience to the potential appointment, having served in multiple key positions within the Department of Health:
- DOH undersecretary and official spokesperson, particularly visible during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic period
- Officer-in-charge of the Department of Health from July 2022 to June 2023 under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
- Return to the undersecretary position under Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa before her eventual departure from the agency in July 2025
Her extensive background in health administration and crisis management during the pandemic makes her a notable candidate for the regulatory board position that oversees medical professionals in the Philippines.
Major Changes to Physicians Licensure Examination Format
In a related development, the Professional Regulation Commission has announced significant modifications to the Physicians Licensure Examination format that will take effect beginning with the March 2026 administration. The PRC explained that the Professional Regulatory Board of Medicine has decided to alter the order of examination subjects to create a more balanced testing experience for medical graduates.
The commission stated: "In view of the foregoing, the commission resolves to adjust the order of examination subjects to be administered starting the March 2026 Physicians Licensure Examination. The proposed change is intended to assist examinees in better managing their daily study and preparation for the licensure examination."
New Examination Schedule and Subject Distribution
The revised examination format features a completely reorganized four-day testing schedule:
- First Day: Physiology; Legal Medicine, Medical Jurisprudence, and Medical Ethics; Pathology
- Second Day: Biochemistry; Anatomy and Histology; Microbiology and Parasitology
- Third Day: Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pediatrics and Nutrition, Preventive Medicine
- Fourth Day: Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Surgery, Medicine
This restructuring represents the most significant change to the PLE format in recent years and is designed to create a more logical flow of subjects throughout the examination period. The PRC emphasized that the adjustments aim to provide a "more balanced distribution of the subjects" to help future physicians demonstrate their comprehensive medical knowledge more effectively.
The simultaneous announcement of Vergeire's potential appointment and the examination format changes highlights ongoing developments in Philippine medical regulation as the country continues to strengthen its healthcare system and professional standards.
