Public health advocate Dr. Tony Leachon has affirmed his commitment to continue participating as a witness in the ongoing Dengvaxia-related cases, despite facing disciplinary sanctions from the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP).
In a statement released on June 5, Leachon emphasized that he remains focused on carrying out his duties before the court as legal proceedings connected to the Dengvaxia controversy move forward before the Sandiganbayan and the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City.
“As one of the witnesses in these proceedings, I remain committed to telling the truth and fulfilling my responsibilities to the court,” Leachon said.
“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,” he added.
Leachon described the revival of the Dengvaxia cases as a significant step in the pursuit of truth and accountability, emphasizing the years-long wait endured by affected families.
“For almost a decade, the families of children who died after receiving the Dengvaxia vaccine have carried the burden of grief while waiting for their day in court,” he said.
“Regardless of the positions taken by the parties, these families deserve the opportunity to be heard. They deserve answers. They deserve a judicial process that is allowed to proceed without further delay,” he added.
The former PCP president also underscored that questions of liability and responsibility should be resolved through the judicial process.
“The proper venue for determining responsibility is the courtroom, where facts can be presented, tested, and weighed in accordance with the rule of law,” he said.
Addressing the disciplinary action taken against him by the PCP, Leachon said he does not agree with the decision and is currently consulting with legal counsel to determine his next steps.
“I respectfully disagree with the action taken by the PCP. Together with my lawyers, I am presently studying the available remedies and appropriate courses of action,” he said.
“It is deeply troubling that disciplinary action was imposed without affording me the right to appeal or present my side. This denial of due process undermines the principles of fairness that should guide our profession,” he added.
Leachon maintained that he will continue to cooperate with the courts while exploring legal remedies regarding the disciplinary measures imposed by the physicians’ organization.