Tony Leachon suspended for six months over defamation, ethics violations

Dr. Anthony "Tony" Leachon has been suspended by the Philippine College of Physicians for six months after being found liable for defamation against fellow physicians and health professionals, as well as violations of the organization's ethical standards.

According to reports, the Board of Regents found that Leachon committed a “serious offense” by making public accusations of corruption and unethical conduct against fellow physicians without sufficient basis or personal knowledge.

"Respondent engaged in defamatory allegations and insinuations or claims of corruption and unethical practice against colleagues, in a public and official forum, even without any personal knowledge or sufficient evidence to support the aforesaid allegations," its May 20 decision read.

"By doing so, Respondent should be held accountable for the intentional and deliberate breach of his sworn duties and responsibilities as a member of the college, thereby warranting the imposition of corresponding penalties and sanctions for violation of the ethical standards and principles in the Code of Ethics," it added, per GMA News.

The PCP also dismissed Leachon’s free speech defense, saying that while constructive criticism is allowed, it does not give physicians an “unbridled license or blanket authority to defame, discredit, disparage or dishonor persons,” particularly fellow doctors who are bound by professional and ethical standards.

The issue stemmed from an ethics complaint filed by former PCP president Dr. Kenneth Hartigan-Go against Leachon over his public statements, including remarks made during a congressional hearing in 2018, per the Philippine News Agency.

On the other hand, the ethics complaint against Leachon also accused him of misrepresenting himself as an expert witness and spreading false information in relation to his opposition to the anti-dengue vaccine Dengvaxia. However, the PCP Board of Regents found no basis for these allegations.

The suspension bars Leachon from exercising the privileges of PCP membership for six months.

On June 5, the PCP said that the decision was made independently after following its procedures and extensive deliberations, in line with its mandate to uphold ethical and professional standards. The group added that members may seek remedies under its rules and the law, while court matters should be settled 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," they wrote.

'In humility, I accept destiny'

Leachon said the resumption of the Dengvaxia cases is an important step toward truth and justice, adding that affected families deserve to have their cases heard in court.

"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. 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 wrote.

In a separate post, Leachon noted that he has advocated for preventive health education, supported the Sin Tax and Universal Health Care laws, helped steer the country's COVID-19 response, exposed corruption in PhilHealth, and stood by families affected by the Dengvaxia controversy.

"These battles were never about personal gain. They were about conscience, compassion, and justice. Yet the cost has been high: sleepless nights, tarnished reputation, strained relationships, and now, institutional censure," he lamented.

While he said he “respectfully disagrees” with the PCP's action, Leachon said he is exploring legal remedies and remains committed to seeking justice.

"In stillness, I seek peace. In humility, I accept destiny. And in faith, I trust that God’s plan will unfold in His time," he wrote.

Leachon previously filed Ombudsman complaints against Finance Secretary Ralph Recto and other officials over the alleged transfer of PhilHealth and PDIC funds to the National Treasury. He also served as an expert witness in Dengvaxia-related cases against former Health Secretary Jeannette Garin and others.