Garin tells Leachon: ‘Shut up na, tumulong na lang’

MANILA, Philippines — “It is no surprise that he was asked to resign from his post in the [National Task Force].”

Former health secretary-turned-Iloilo 1st District Rep. Jeanette Garin made the remark Friday after a special adviser to National COVID-19 Task Force (NTF) Dr. Tony Leachon announced he was no longer part of the task force.

In a statement, Garin said that she has worked with Leachon during her term as secretary of health and the chairman of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) board.

Garin claimed that Leachon tends to air to the media his opinions instead of holding discussions with other experts.

“First, medical and scientific concepts and discussions often need not be discussed in public in the early stages. Primarily because it will cause more harm than good to alarm the public while awaiting counterfactuals,” Garin said.

“Ngunit itong si Dr. Leachon, ang tendency niya ay imbes na makipag-diskurso sa mga eksperto, ay ilalabas sa media ang mga opinyon niya,” the lawmaker added.

The former health secretary further noted: “Real doctors and scientists do not do this. Unless, may pangarap na posisyon kaya nag-iingay. He seems to have the preponderance to always think how he can land on the headlines rather than focus on how to help.”

Garin also said that she does not understand why Leachon claims to be a public health expert and why the media refers to him as such.

“Binigyan lang madalas ng plataporma ng ABS-CBN para magsalita sa mga bagay na hindi niya naman naiintindihan sa kabuuan,” Garin said.

Garin likewise questioned why Leachon expressed his opinions on social media and not directly to the NTF.

“He was in the best position to counter decisions, offer better solutions and ultimately effect change. Bakit hindi ginawa? Bakit sa media at sa social media pa rin naglalabas ng mga opinyon? All for show ba ito? To get followers and supporters?” Garin said.

“Kay Dr. Leachon, shut up na. Tumulong na lang,” Garin added.

Garin hopes that the pandemic would not be used to push for personal agenda.

“Kung nasa posisyon ka na pero ang nagawa mo lang ay dumada at magpost online, marahil hindi mo ginagawa talaga ang trabaho mo,” Garin said.

“Nasa pandemic na tayo. What we should ultimately be doing is helping each other. The only way we will succeed in this fight against COVID-19 is if we all work together,” she added.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque earlier said that President Rodrigo Duterte himself was displeased by the social media posts of Leachon against the health department.

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.

INQUIRER.net has sought the comment of Leachon but has yet to receive a reply as of posting time.