Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa confirmed that Dr. Tony Leachon has returned to his position as a “volunteer consultant” for the Department of Health (DOH).

During an interview on the sidelines of the 1st Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) HIV Summit on Sept. 8, Herbosa confirmed that Leachon “has returned to his position as a volunteer consultant without pay.”

“Tumutulong lang siya sa pamahalaan (He is helping the government with) whatever expertise he has,” Herbosa said.

This development came after former Health Chief Jannette Garin raised concerns about Leachon's qualifications when he was appointed as a special adviser to the DOH.

The issue was brought to the forefront during a budget hearing in Congress, where Garin questioned the fairness of paying him a salary of P100,000 and characterized Leachon as a "person whose statements were always skewed and malicious."

She also pointed out that Leachon lacked a master's or doctorate in public health, adding fuel to the debate surrounding his role within the DOH.

Leachon, a renowned internist and cardiologist at the Manila Doctors' Hospital, had also previously served as a Covid-19 task force adviser.

His appointment as a special adviser for non-communicable diseases in August was viewed with suspicion.

READ:

https://mb.com.ph/2023/8/11/leachon-named-as-special-adviser-for-non-communicable-diseases

In response to these concerns, Herbosa confirmed that he had spoken with Leachon, who expressed his willingness to serve as a "volunteer consultant."

Herbosa emphasized that “no government funds” would be allocated for Leachon in his new role.

"Tinanggap ko 'yun, pinabago ko na 'yung kontrata niya (I accepted that, I had his contract revised),” Herbosa said.

As per Garin's recommendation, Herbosa stated that there would be no government funds provided to Leachon.

Herbosa noted that Leachon’s assistance to him, as the Secretary of Health, will be on a “volunteer basis.”

The reappointment of Leachon as a volunteer consultant highlighted the importance of public service and collaboration in addressing critical health issues in the Philippines, Herbosa said. (Zekinah Elize Espina)