Leachon quits as DOH special adviser

MANILA, Philippines — Saying he has had enough of public humiliation, health reform advocate Dr. Anthony Leachon quit his post as Department of Health (DOH) special adviser for non-communicable diseases.

Leachon said even his noble aspirations to serve the country are being questioned, and the vicious attacks against him will not stop until he resigns.

He said the Dengvaxia case will drag on for years and critics will try relentlessly to discredit him.

“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,” Leachon said in a statement.

According to Leachon, the congressional hearing on the DOH budget last week was an eye-opener for him, as he was branded as not a public health expert by a lawmaker.

Leachon said he would just focus on his family, clinical practice, health advocacy programs and self-care.

In a letter to Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, he decided to resign “after careful consideration” and “based on personal reasons.”

“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,” he added.

A few days ago, Leachon’s position as a consultant was downgraded to voluntary status after Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin criticized his new role in the agency.

Garin blames Herbosa

Garin said yesterday that Herbosa should be accountable for allowing the DOH to be used as “a platform for non-experts.”

“I stand firm in calling Sec. Herbosa’s accountability in not allowing DOH to be used as a platform for non-experts. Statements and opinion of non-experts can deceive the general public, resulting to a lot of public health menace,” she noted in a statement.

Last week, Garin questioned Herbosa about accepting Leachon as DOH consultant during the budget deliberation of the House committee on appropriations on the agency’s proposed budget for 2024.

“Self- proclaimed experts can do a lot of damage, especially if allowed to use government’s platform. Quad media is our partner in countering fake news,” she added.

“This is not something personal against Leachon,” Garin maintained. — Sheila Crisostomo