The Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) has suspended public health advocate Dr. Tony Leachon for six months after finding him liable for defamation and violations of the organization's Code of Ethics. The disciplinary action stemmed from public statements he made against fellow physicians, which the PCP said were issued without sufficient evidence and personal knowledge.
In a ruling dated May 20, the PCP Board of Regents concluded that Leachon committed a serious ethical offense by publicly accusing colleagues of corruption and unethical conduct. The decision temporarily removes his privileges as a member of the organization for a period of six months.
PCP Finds Leachon Liable for Ethical Violations
According to the 26-page decision issued by the PCP's 13-member Board of Regents, Leachon violated professional standards through public remarks directed at fellow doctors.
“Respondent Dr. Leachon committed a clear violation of his duties and responsibilities under the PCP Code of Ethics when he made certain public statements against herein Complainant Dr. Hartigan-Go, and engaged in defamatory allegations and insinuations or claims of corruption and unethical practice against his colleagues, in a public and official forum,” the board stated.
The organization maintained that professional criticism is allowed but should remain within ethical boundaries. The board rejected Leachon's argument that his statements were protected by free speech, emphasizing that criticism does not provide what it described as an "unbridled license or blanket authority to defame, discredit, disparage or dishonor persons."
The ruling also discussed concerns surrounding Leachon's previous claims of serving as an expert witness in Dengvaxia-related cases. According to documents submitted during the proceedings, court records had already contradicted those assertions.
“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,” the decision read.
The board ultimately found him liable for defamation and ethical violations, although it did not find him guilty of misrepresentation as an expert witness or disseminating false information in relation to the anti-dengue vaccine controversy.
Leachon Defends Actions, PCP Reaffirms Decision
The PCP later reaffirmed its decision, saying the disciplinary process was conducted fairly and independently.
“The decision was made independently and in accordance with the PCP's mandate to uphold the ethical and professional standards expected of its members,” the organization said. “The case serves as a stark reminder of the broader, real-world dangers of irresponsible medical advocacy.”
Leachon, meanwhile, expressed disagreement with the decision and maintained that his focus remains on the ongoing Dengvaxia-related court cases.
“I respectfully disagree with the action taken. 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,” Leachon said in a Facebook post.
He also defended his role in the issue, saying his advocacy has been driven by accountability rather than politics.
“My participation has never been about personalities or politics. It has always been about accountability, transparency, and respect for the families who continue to seek answers,” he added in his online post.
Leachon is known for filing high-profile complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman, including plunder and technical malversation cases against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto over the alleged diversion of P60 billion in Philippine Health Insurance Corporation reserves and P107 billion in Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation funds to the National Treasury.
?Despite the suspension, Leachon indicated that he will continue fulfilling his role in the court cases and is considering available legal options regarding the PCP decision.
