He joined the Department during the People Power reorganization in 1986 as Undersecretary fro Hospital Facilities and Regulation under the Bengson’s administration. Trained in Rehabilitation Medicine, he promoted community0based rehabilitation program. As Undersecretary, he initiated strategic planning for hospital development and started networking among major hospitals in preparation for disasters. He convinced highly trained surgeons and consultants to operate in far-flung hospitals increasing access to this service. He was appointed Secretary of Health when Secretary Bengson resigned to run for Senate.

As Secretary of Health, he had to grapple to the challenges of the immediate emotional and conceptual problems of devolution of health services brought about the Local Government Code of 1991. Secretary Periquet’s term ended with the change in the national political leadership in 1992.