Independent health reform advocate Dr. Anthony "Tony" Leachon has resigned from his post as a Special Adviser for Noncommunicable Diseases of the Department of Health (DOH).
“I don’t deserve to be maligned in public and not given the authority or chance to defend myself,” Leachon said in a Facebook post on Tuesday, Sept. 12.
Leachon also shared his reflections, stating: "I just woke up after a long night of thinking and reflections. I want to help the country. This has been a lifelong commitment."
However, he acknowledged the challenges of working within a system where his ideas were not welcomed, and he faced unprovoked attacks from “powerful individuals.”
He referenced the recent DOH House of Representatives (HoR) budget hearing where he was labeled “not as a public health expert” by a lawmaker, which prompted him to defend his qualifications publicly.
Following this, Leachon said he has had “enough” and expressed a desire to prioritize his family.
“My family is my life, and everything else comes second as far as what’s important to me. I want to spare my family from this matter,” he added.
He also anticipated ongoing challenges related to the Dengvaxia case and relentless efforts to “discredit” him throughout its pendency.
Leachon emphasized his core values of honor, integrity, and courage, along with the importance of self-respect. He noted his desire to focus on his family, clinical practice, small health advocacy programs, and self-care measures.
In a letter dated Sept. 11, Leachon submitted his resignation letter addressed to Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa where he expressed that his decision was made after “careful consideration” citing personal reasons that he believed were in the “best interest” for himself, his family, and his future.
The DOH has not issued an official statement regarding Leachon's resignation, as of the moment.
On Sept. 8, during an interview at the 1st Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) HIV Summit, Herbosa acknowledged that Leachon had "returned to his position" as a volunteer consultant without pay for the DOH.
This development followed concerns raised by former Health Chief Jannette Garin about Leachon's qualifications at the time of his appointment as a special adviser to the DOH.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2023/9/9/herbosa-confirms-leachon-s-return-as-doh-volunteer-consultant
Leachon, a respected doctor and cardiologist at Manila Doctors' Hospital, had previously served as an adviser to the Covid-19 task force. (Zekinah Elize Espina)