Año says he regrets Leachon’s removal from NTF

MANILA, Philippines — Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Thursday expressed regret with the decision of the National Task Force (NTF) against COVID-19 to remove Dr. Tony Leachon as special adviser due to his controversial media posts criticizing the government’s response to the pandemic.

“I think he (Leachon) did that (with) good intention. He does not want to malign anyone. He wants to emphasize some reports, sometimes he is very emotional,” Año, vice chairman of the NTF, said over ANC when asked about Leachon’s peremptory departure from the NTF.

“I also regret Dr. Leachon’s leaving the NTF, but he has decided to resign, so be it. But we will still remain friends. I, for one, will get his input from time to time,” he added.

Año acknowledged the huge role Leachon played as adviser of the task force prior to his being asked to resign.

“He is sort of what you call a critical thinker. Even in my actions,  Tony Leachon was a big help,” he said.

Nonetheless, Año said he will stay in touch with Leachon even after the latter left his post.

“When he resigned, he texted me he already bid goodbye and it’s (resignation) final. I told him let’s continue communicating from time to time,” Año said.

On Wednesday, Leachon announced that he was no longer the NTF’s special adviser.

This comes a day after he advised Health chief Francisco Duque III to serve at the pleasure of the people and not just President Rodrigo Duterte. Leachon was dismayed over the health department’s efforts to address the coronavirus disease pandemic.

Meanwhile, NTF chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. said Leachon was removed from his post because he “jeopardized the communication efforts” on COVID-19 response.

EDV