By: Itchie G. Cabayan
PUBLIC health advocate Dr. Anthony Leachon described as inaccurate recent reports which he said have created the mistaken impression that former Usec. Kenneth Go was solely responsible for the complaints filed against him before the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP).
“This is not accurate. Mr. Go was merely the visible spokesperson. The complainants included other respondents in the pending Dengvaxia cases, including Cong. Janette Garin and former Department of Health officials who are facing criminal and civil cases arising from the Dengvaxia controversy. It is likewise noteworthy that the public announcement of the PCP decision coincided with the filing of my cyberlibel complaint against Cong. Garin,” he said, adding:’ While I fully respect the PCP as an institution, the timing raises serious questions, especially since the rules provide a 15-day period within which any party may appeal an adverse decision,” said Leachon, who is also past president, Philippine College of Physicians (2014–2015).”
Leachon also stressed that the complainants themselves disregarded the watermark and confidentiality warning appearing on the decision when they publicly circulated and discussed it even before the appeal process could run its course.
“My legal team is presently studying the available remedies and appropriate courses of action. These developments should not distract from the central issue. The Dengvaxia cases are now proceeding before the courts after years of delay. For almost a decade, the families who lost their children have carried the burden of grief while waiting for their day in court. They deserve answers. They deserve justice. The truth must be established through evidence and due process, not through attacks on witnesses or efforts to discredit those who continue to speak out,” he stressed.
According to him, the courts have repeatedly ruled that the cases should move forward and that these rulings recognize that allegations involving the lives of Filipino children must be examined fully and resolved on the basis of evidence.
He underscored that the proper venue for determining responsibility is the courtroom, where facts can be presented, tested, and weighed in accordance with the rule of law.
“As one of the witnesses in these proceedings, I remain committed to telling the truth and fulfilling my responsibilities to the court. 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,” Leachon said.
He noted: “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 PCP. I respectfully disagree with the action taken. Together with my lawyers, I am presently studying the available remedies and appropriate courses of action. 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 underscored that public attention should remain focused on the evidence and on the issues that gave rise to these cases in the first place and that attempts to divert the conversation away from the merits of the case only deepen the pain of families who have already waited far too long.
The Dengvaxia controversy, he maintains, remains one of the most painful chapters in Philippine public health and that beyond the legal questions that must still be resolved, it eroded public confidence in vaccination programs and left lasting wounds on countless Filipino families.
“Those wounds cannot be healed through public relations campaigns, personal attacks, or efforts to discredit those who participate in the judicial process. They can only begin to heal when the truth is established and justice is allowed to take its course. I have faced criticism, attacks, and attempts to discredit my work before. Those experiences have never deterred me from speaking out on issues that affect the health and welfare of the Filipino people. They will not deter me now,” he said.
“My thoughts remain with the parents and families who have waited years for answers. Their voices matter. Their search for justice matters. The nation owes them a process that is fair, transparent, and guided by the evidence. 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. Truth is established through facts. Justice is achieved through due process. The time has come to allow both to prevail,” Leachon said in his statement.
