'Name Withheld' PLC topnotcher recalls confusion, online backlash before reveal

When the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) released the March 2026 Physician Licensure Examination (PLE) results, one detail quickly drew attention: the topnotcher's identity was unknown, listed only as "Name Withheld."

For the one who would later be named this batch's most successful examinee, the series of events after the initial April 8 announcement unfolded unexpectedly.

Erwin Ken Angcual Parchaso said he was outside his house when he checked the exam results on the day these were released, scanning the list for his name.

"It wasn't there," he told GMA News Online. "I saw my batchmates celebrating, but my name wasn't on the list. Just 'Name Withheld.'"

At the time, he thought he failed.

The withheld entry raised questions for him as well.

"Honestly, a name being withheld because of investigation was a first for me," he said.

Confusion led to frustration

Parchaso also said the days following the release were marked by uncertainty. Without clear information, he began to speculate.

"Sino kaya 'to? Baka dahil sa kanya kaya ako bumagsak (Who could this be? Maybe because of this person, I ended up failing)," he recalled.

Parchaso said the reaction came from frustration rather than anger, as he had been expecting to see his name among those who passed.

His family tried to reassure him.

"Okay lang, try na lang ulit (It's okay, you can just try again)," they told him.

Online hate

As discussions spread online, the unidentified topnotcher became the subject of criticism, slapped with allegations of cheating and irregularities.

Parchaso said he followed the comments.

"I saw the posts and the hate directed at that anonymous person," he said.

At one point, he felt relieved he was not involved.

"Buti na lang hindi ako 'yun (I was relieved it wasn't me)," he said.

However, he later found out that he was indeed the Number 1 examinee—and the target of unsavory remarks online.

"Hindi ko alam, ako pala 'yun (Little did I know, it was me)," he added.

Discovered on his own

Parchaso said he did not receive any direct notice from the PRC while his name remained withheld.

"To be honest, PRC did not contact me directly. I received no explanation from them," he said.

While he acknowledged the need for verification processes, he said improvements in communication could help prevent confusion.

"If verification is needed, it may be better to complete it before releasing results," he said.

Parchaso also suggested informing examinees directly.

"Even just a text or email saying the results are under verification would make a difference," he added.

GMA News Online has requested comment from the PRC regarding Parchaso's statements, but it has yet to respond as of posting time.

Baguio's pride

Now in his early 30s, the topnotcher is from Baguio City and graduated from Lyceum-Northwestern University in Dagupan City.

He said his decision to pursue medicine began during his time as a nursing student.

"I saw patients who were afraid for their health," he said, adding that, "then I saw doctors come in and calm them down."

He said these experiences helped shape his goal to become a physician.

"They weren't just treating a disease—they were helping a person," he added.

Keys to success

Parchaso advised future examinees to focus on consistency.

"Aim for consistent hours. Repetition over intensity," he said.

He also encouraged examinees not to compare their progress with others.

"May mga may asawa, may anak, tumigil, natakot—iba-iba ang timeline," he said 

(Some who prepare for the PLEs are married, some have children, some paused, some got scared—everyone has a different timeline).

For those who feel delayed, he said: "Hindi kabiguan ang timeline mo—iba lang."

(Your timeline is not a failure—it's just different.)

— VDV, GMA News