PCP defends 6-month suspension of Dr. Tony Leachon, cites independent ethics process

The Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) has strongly defended its decision to impose a six-month suspension on public health advocate Dr. Anthony "Tony" Leachon, firmly asserting that the disciplinary action was the result of an independent, fair, and impartial ethical review.

In an official statement, the country's primary medical organization broke its silence to address public speculation surrounding the penalty. The PCP emphasized that its Board of Regents reached the decision autonomously, strictly following the formal grievance and ethics procedures mandated by the college's bylaws.

Ethics Violation vs. Political Retaliation

According to the 26-page decision issued by the PCP Board of Regents, Leachon was found liable for serious violations of the medical society's Code of Ethics. The case stems from complaints that the high-profile physician made defamatory public statements, allegations of corruption, and malicious claims against fellow doctors in various public forums.

The PCP reiterated that the administrative penalty is aimed solely at upholding the professional standards, integrity, and honor of the medical community, denying any outside influence or personal animosity behind the ruling.

However, Dr. Leachon and his legal team have openly disputed the sanction, labeling it as a politically motivated move. Leachon, a prominent health reform advocate and former government adviser, argues that the suspension is a calculated attempt to undermine his credibility. He is currently serving as a key expert witness in the high-profile, ongoing court trials concerning the Dengvaxia vaccine controversy.

Seeking Legal Remedies

Despite the suspension, Leachon vowed to continue his public health advocacy and confirmed that his legal team is actively reviewing the decision to pursue all available legal remedies. Under organizational rules, the suspension restricts his privileges as a PCP member but does not automatically revoke his medical license, which is governed by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

As the controversy stirs debate within the Philippine medical community over the boundaries of public commentary and professional ethics, the PCP maintained that no member is above the code of conduct that binds the fraternity of physicians.