Emmanuel R. Ledesma Jr.,commonly known as Mandy Ledesma,is a Filipino government official who currently served as the President and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). He was initially appointed as acting president by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. in November 2022. In July 2023,Ledesma was confirmed as the permanent president and CEO of PhilHealth. [1]
Ledesma pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of the Philippines Diliman,where he earned his Bachelor of Science in economics with a concentration in Management from 1982 to 1987. He later advanced his education by obtaining a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with specializations in Finance,Accounting,and Management Strategy from the prestigious Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.[ citation needed ]
Ledesma served as the President and CEO of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) from July 1,2010,to June 30,2016. During his tenure,he played a pivotal role in managing the privatization and financial restructuring of the power sector's assets and liabilities. [2]
Prior to his role at PhilHealth,Ledesma served as the President and CEO of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM). [2] His appointment to PhilHealth was welcomed by the Department of Health,marking a significant transition in the leadership of the national health insurance program. [3] In November 2022,Ledesma was appointed as the acting president and CEO of PhilHealth by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. He was confirmed as the permanent President and CEO in July 2023. [1]
As PhilHealth's chief executive,Ledesma has overseen several significant policy changes and reforms within the organization. In September 2024,under his leadership,PhilHealth announced the abolition of its single confinement policy,marking a significant shift in the corporation's healthcare coverage protocols. [4] During his tenure,Ledesma has focused on maintaining PhilHealth's financial sustainability. In December 2024,he reported that the organization was operating effectively even without government subsidy,demonstrating the corporation's improved financial management. [5]
In November 2024,Ledesma faced criticism from senators during budget deliberations,where his responses during the debates were characterized as "disrespectful" by some legislators. This incident highlighted the ongoing challenges in the relationship between PhilHealth's leadership and legislative oversight. [6]