Eyeing a Cabinet position? Leachon says ‘I am happy where I am now’

MANILA, Philippines — Health reform advocate Dr. Tony Leachon denied the recent accusation by President Rodrigo Duterte that he is gunning for a government position, saying “I am happy where I am now.”

“It’s painful to be accused of something which is baseless and untrue. I have been an independent health reform advocate for many years. I have the highest respect for our President and the government,” Leachon said in his Facebook post on Monday.

Leachon clarified that he does not have any plans to be a public official.

“I once dreamt of serving the government before but I have no future ambitions to be a public official. I’m happy where I am now,” he said.

“I’m raising a red flag on efficacy and safety data on the vaccines so we can procure the right vaccine for our country. I have gained that level of expertise and experience as a physician involved in many disciplines of healthcare,” he added.

The statement was a response to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque who revealed that Duterte had repeatedly cursed Leachon in his speeches. However, Roque said the president’s remarks towards the doctor were edited out.

“Na-edit lang po sa mga talk to the people pero ang daming beses na po kayong namura ng Presidente. Kasi ang sabi niya, kung anu-ano sinasabi mo iyon pala nagnanais ka lang ng posisyon sa gobyerno,” Roque said.

(It was edited out in his speeches but Leachon has been cursed out many times by the President. He said that Leachon is saying so many things but all he wanted was a position in government.)

Roque’s statement came after Leachon questioned the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines in one of his Twitter posts.

Isn't it worrisome that the government is still prioritizing the vaccines for which there are not enough safety and efficacy data? https://t.co/gOLc32Qd9B

— Tony Leachon MD (@DrTonyLeachon) December 14, 2020

JE