Tony Leachon no longer special adviser to national COVID-19 task force

FILE –  Dr. Anthony Leachon. INQUIRER PHOTO/LYN RILLON

MANILA, Philippines — Health reform advocate Dr. Tony Leachon is no longer the special adviser to the National Task Force against COVID-19.

Leachon himself revealed this development in a tweet on Wednesday, but the reason for him vacating the post has not yet been disclosed as of posting time.

“It’s with deepest regret that I announce that I am not anymore the Special Adviser of National [Task Force] COVID-19 effective today,” he said.

“I have my full respect for Sec. Charlie Galvez & we will remain as good friends. Lots of good memories. But I have to move on,” he added. Galvez is the chief implementer of the task force.

A day before he announced he is no longer affiliated with the NTF, Leachon advised Health Secretary Francisco Duque III to “step up” and serve at the pleasure of the people and not just of President Rodrigo Duterte amid fresh calls for Duque’s resignation.

It’s with deepest regret that I announce that I am not anymore the Special Adviser of National Adviser -COVID 19 effective today.I have my full respect for Sec. Charlie Galvez & we will remain as good friends. Lots of good memories. But I have to move on. 🇵🇭#RelentlessForChange

— Tony Leachon MD (@DrTonyLeachon) June 17, 2020

In a tweet on June 13, Leachon expressed his disappointment to the Department of Health over its response efforts against COVID-19.

He said the NTF and the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases have been doing their best to prevent the pandemic from escalating but added “we couldn’t turn a blind eye to the dropped balls.”

“Forgive me, I think the lead agency has lost focus in everything. Risk communication, priorities, data management, and execution of all plans,” he said.

CFC