Photo credit: Dr. Tony Leachon

Health advocate Dr. Anthony Leachon has spoken out after the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) suspended him for six months over findings that he committed defamation against fellow physicians and health professionals and violated ethical standards.

The disciplinary action stemmed from a 26-page decision issued by the PCP's 13-member Board of Regents, which concluded that Leachon breached his duties and responsibilities under the organization's Code of Ethics through public statements directed at colleagues within the medical profession.

In response, Leachon released a lengthy statement reflecting on his years of service and commitment to the organization, while questioning the ethics behind the decision against him.

“I have spent years pouring time, effort, and devotion into an organization I have loved so well. It was a home, a community, a place where ideals of service and integrity were supposed to thrive,” he said.

Leachon argued that his actions were driven by advocacy and a desire to protect patients and expose wrongdoing rather than personal interests. He described the suspension as a consequence of standing by his principles.

“Yet now, that same institution has chosen to penalize me—not for wrongdoing, but for fighting for a higher goal, for standing on ethical ground,” he wrote, adding, “I learned during all my career to enjoy suffering.”

The physician also questioned whether true ethics lie in speaking out against negligence and corruption or remaining silent in the face of wrongdoing.

“This raises a painful question: What is ethical? Is it defending the victims of negligence and corruption, or is it complicity in the commission of a crime by remaining silent?” he asked.

Leachon pointed to his involvement in major public health initiatives throughout his career, including preventive health education, the Sin Tax Law, the Universal Health Care Law, COVID-19 response efforts, exposing alleged corruption in PhilHealth, and advocating for families affected by the Dengvaxia controversy.

Despite the suspension, he expressed gratitude to supporters who have stood by him during the controversy and said he intends to continue his advocacy work.

“There are many speculations about the turn of events. Betrayal, politics, indifference—it is not surprising. That is life,” Leachon said.

“But I will keep going. My goal remains to help more people achieve their health goals, to restore trust in institutions, and to ensure that the sun will rise brightly in the east.”

Leachon ended his statement on a note of faith and perseverance, saying that while positions and recognition may come and go, conscience and courage remain.

“Titles, positions, and wealth may fade. But conscience, compassion, and courage endure. And if my life has made even a small difference, then yes—it has been worth it.”