Health reform advocate Dr. Anthony Leachon resigned from his position as Department of Health (DOH) Special Adviser for Non-Communicable Diseases.
In a letter to DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa dated September 11, 2023, Leachon said “I have made this decision after a careful examination, and it is based on personal reasons that I believe are best for me, my family, and my future.”
“This decision has not been made lightly, and it comes after much thought and consideration. I appreciate your kind understanding and support. I wish the DOH team continued success in the future,” Leachon said.
Earlier, Herbosa downgraded to a “voluntary” status Leachon’s position after Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin questioned Leachon’s qualifications as a public health expert and his new role in the government during the hearing in the House of Representatives of the DOH’s proposed budget for 2024.
Last Friday, Herbosa confirmed he revised the job contract of Leachon to “volunteer consultant without pay.”
But Leachon stressed he was invited by Herbosa to join the DOH, and “I did not volunteer myself.” He said he accepted the post because of his desire to help the Filipino people.
“It is time to stop the pursuit of personal destruction and the prying into personal lives and get on with our national agenda,” he said.
The former adviser of the National Task Force on COVID-19 also stressed he can work without compensation. He did that in 2012 when he worked as “one peso consultant” of former DOH Secretary Enrique Ona.
According to Leachon, he initially opted to remain silent about the matter “I don’t want to respond to the statement regarding my qualifications as a public health expert. I just want to be quiet about it in the meantime to protect my family , loved ones and persons believing in my advocacy for a better healthcare system,” said.
However, the former President of the Phulippine College of Physicians (PCP), said his silence might give a false impression.
“I have always talked and fought for “THE TRUTH “ even if it hurts me or anyone or endangers my life the past few years and I would like to continue with that path till my sunset years. I wish to live to 100 years so I can help a lot of poor people in their medical problems,” said Leachon.
Leachon was among the witnesses who testified in the Dengvaxia controversy.
Ombudsman Samuel Martires has recommended that Garin and four others be charged with graft and technical malversation charges over the Dengvaxia controversy, involving the alleged anomalous P3.5-billion dengue mass vaccination program of the Aquino administration.
