Public health advocate, Dr. Anthony “Tony” Leachon has vowed to continue serving as a witness in the Dengvaxia-related cases despite the disciplinary action imposed on him by the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP).

In a statement issued on June 5, Leachon said he remains committed to fulfilling his responsibilities to the court as proceedings in the Dengvaxia cases before the Sandiganbayan and the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City move forward.

“As one of the witnesses in these proceedings, I remain committed to telling the truth and fulfilling my responsibilities to the court,” Leachon said.

“My participation in these cases has never been about personalities or politics. It has always been about accountability, transparency, and respect for the families who continue to seek justice,” he added.

Leachon described the resumption of the Dengvaxia cases as an important development in what he called the long search for truth and justice.

“For almost a decade, the families of children who died after receiving the Dengvaxia vaccine have carried the burden of grief while waiting for their day in court,” he said.

“Regardless of the positions taken by the parties, these families deserve the opportunity to be heard. They deserve answers. They deserve a judicial process that is allowed to proceed without further delay,” he added.

The former PCP president stressed that the courts are the proper venue for determining responsibility in the cases.

“The proper venue for determining responsibility is the courtroom, where facts can be presented, tested, and weighed in accordance with the rule of law,” he said.

Likewise, Leachon addressed the disciplinary action taken against him by the PCP, saying he disagrees with the move and is studying possible remedies with his lawyers.

“I respectfully disagree with the action taken by the PCP. Together with my lawyers, I am presently studying the available remedies and appropriate courses of action,” he said.

“It is deeply troubling that disciplinary action was imposed without affording me the right to appeal or present my side. This denial of due process undermines the principles of fairness that should guide our profession,” he added.

The PCP, meanwhile, said the disciplinary action resulted from “a formal ethics process conducted in accordance with the PCP Code of Ethics and established procedures.”

The organization said any complaint brought before it undergoes “a careful, thorough, and impartial review process, with due regard for fairness, evidence, and the rights of all parties involved.”

“The action taken in this matter was not arrived at lightly. It followed the procedures prescribed under the College’s rules and was reached only after extensive deliberation by the appropriate bodies of the organization,” the PCP said in a statement.

The PCP added that the decision was made independently and in accordance with its mandate to uphold the ethical and professional standards expected of its members.

As such, the doctors’ group said it respects the right of any member to avail of remedies under its rules and applicable laws and recognizes that matters before the courts must be resolved through the proper judicial process.

“As an institution, the PCP does not participate in political debates nor does it take positions on pending legal controversies beyond its mandate as a professional organization. Our sole concern is the preservation of the integrity, credibility, and ethical standards of the medical profession,” it said.

Despite the sanction, Leachon maintained that it would not affect the evidence to be presented before the courts or the pursuit of justice by the families involved in the cases.

“Nevertheless, no administrative sanction can alter the facts that will be presented before the courts. No disciplinary action can diminish the right of the victims’ families to seek justice or the duty of witnesses to testify truthfully,” he said.

Leachon also expressed concern over what he described as efforts to challenge his credibility while the Dengvaxia cases are moving forward.

“It is therefore deeply concerning that, at a time when the Dengvaxia cases are finally moving forward, efforts are being made to question my credibility and integrity,” he stated.

“These efforts have taken various forms, including the filing of complaints against me and the recent disciplinary action imposed by the Philippine College of Physicians,” he added.

He called on all sectors to respect the judicial process and allow the courts to proceed without interference.

“I call upon all concerned sectors to respect the independence of our courts and to allow the judicial process to proceed free from intimidation, pressure, or distraction. The Filipino people deserve nothing less,” Leachon said.

“Truth is established through facts. Justice is achieved through due process. The time has come to allow both to prevail,” he added.