Erwin Ken Angcual Parchaso: PLE topnotcher from ‘name withheld’ to recognition

The topnotcher of the March 2026 Physicians Licensure Examination shared his journey during his oath-taking, weeks after he was initially listed as “name withheld” in the official results.

In his speech at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, Erwin Ken Angcual Parchaso confirmed he was the unnamed topnotcher released by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

“Hello. Yes, that’s my name up there. And no, my name is not ‘Name Withheld,’” Parchaso said.

Earlier this month, the March 2026 PLE results drew attention after the PRC did not disclose the name of the topnotcher, saying some results were “withheld pending final determination of their liabilities under the rules and regulations governing licensure examinations.” Another name was also withheld “for further verification.”

Parchaso also recalled that he initially thought he had failed the exam after not seeing his name among the passers.

“I was crying outside our house,” he said, adding that he saw the "name withheld" and "under investigation."

“Sabi ko, ‘Siya siguro ang rason bakit hindi ako pumasa… Buti nga sa kanya! Under investigation siya!’”

(“I said, maybe he’s the reason I didn’t pass… Good for him, he’s under investigation!”)

He later found out that the unnamed topnotcher was actually himself.

“That ‘Name Withheld’ I was blaming? It was me. I was crying over my own name,” he said.

Parchaso also shared that he passed the exam after three attempts.

“I am a retaker… On my second attempt, I didn’t even show up. I sat at home… and admitted: ‘I’m not ready,’” he said.

He said it took him about ten years to complete his journey to becoming a doctor.

“I failed that first take. Not because I wasn’t smart enough. But because life happened,” he added.

He encouraged other examinees who may be struggling or retaking the test.

“Please, don’t give up… You just have to keep showing up,” he said.

“I’m Erwin Ken Angcual Parchaso. Not withheld. Not hidden. Just here.”

The Lyceum-Northwestern University issued a statement in praise of a true Lycean.

"A true son of Lyceum-Northwestern University, Dr. Parchaso stood before his fellow new physicians not only as a topnotcher, but as a voice of authenticity and quiet strength. His journey was not without struggle—marked by moments of doubt, setbacks, and long seasons of perseverance—but it is precisely these experiences that shaped the depth and sincerity of his message," the institution said in a social media post.

"He honored the process—the unseen battles, the discipline to continue, and the courage to begin again. His words struck a powerful chord: “You don’t have to be unbreakable to be strong. You just have to keep showing up.” In this, he reminded everyone that resilience is not about perfection, but about persistence."

One challenge after another

In Mark Salazar’s 24 Oras report, Parchaso shared that PRC told him his name was withheld to double-check his score because it was one of the highest scores.

But before Parchaso achieved success, he first went through several challenges. On his first attempt at the licensure exam, his then-girlfriend unexpectedly became pregnant.

“During the exam, wala na sa exam ang focus ko; nasa girlfriend ko na pregnant. Ayun, hindi namin planado, so 'yun, I failed (during the exam, my focus was not there but on my girlfriend, who was pregnant at that time)," Parchaso said, who expressed no regret in building his family.

On his second attempt, Parchaso backed out due to a lack of self-confidence, as he felt he had forgotten what he had studied and was getting low scores on mock exams.

More recently, Parchaso only found out he was the topnotcher when a school official informed him.

“I had no words kung ano sasabihin ko sabi nya pumasa ka then there's this Number 1 withheld that's you sabi nya sa akin. I was shocked, happy, and confused. Rollercoaster talaga,” Parchaso said.

(I had no words when I received the news that I passed and became the topnotcher. I was shocked, happy, and confused. It was really a rollercoaster ride.)

Meanwhile, Parchaso’s wife, Jael, said he deserved all the recognition he is receiving since he worked hard to achieve his license. 

The PRC has yet to explain why it had to withhold Parchaso’s name, but the Philippine Medical Association said his score was indeed very high, and this is not the first time the PRC has withheld exam results.

“They exercised due diligence in checking the papers and verifying the results. They went through with the investigation and turned out that it was okay,” said Dr. Hector Santos, Philippine Medical Association president. —with Mariel Celine Serquiña/BAP/RF, GMA News