Philippine College of Physicians suspends Dr. Tony Leachon for six months

The Philippine College of Physicians has suspended Dr. Anthony "Tony" Leachon for six months for defamation against fellow physicians and health professionals and violation of ethical standards.

According to the 26-page decision by the PCP's 13-member Board of Regents, Leachon committed a clear
violation of his duties and responsibilities under the Code of Ethics through his public statements directed against colleagues in the profession.

"Respondent engaged in defamatory allegations and insinuations or claims of corruption and unethical practice against colleagues, in a public and official forum, even without any personal knowledge or sufficient evidence to support the aforesaid allegations," the decision read.

"By doing so, Respondent should be held accountable for the intentional and deliberate breach of his sworn duties and responsibilities as a member of the college, thereby warranting the imposition of corresponding penalties
and sanctions for violation of the ethical standards and principles in the Code of Ethics," it added.

The grounds of the ethics complaint against Leachon included misrepresentation as an expert witness and disseminating false information in the context of his stand against the anti-dengue vaccine Dengvaxia. The PCP regents found that he didn't commit the said violations.

However, the PCP regents found him liable for defamation and violation of ethical standards.

"Accordingly, in view of the nature, seriousness, and gravity of the violations, and applying the corresponding penalties provided in the PCP Code of Ethics, with due consideration to the attendant and peculiar factual circumstances in the instant case, the penalty of Suspension of Membership in the College for a period of six (6) months is hereby imposed on respondent Dr. Anthony Leachon," the decision read.

On Facebook, Leachon said he and his lawyers are studying the available remedies as he disagreed with the PCP.

"It is therefore deeply concerning that, at a time when the Dengvaxia cases are finally moving forward, efforts are being made to question my credibility and integrity. These efforts have taken various forms, including the filing of complaints against me and the recent disciplinary action imposed by the Philippine College of Physicians," Leachon said.

"I respectfully disagree with the action taken by the PCP. Together with my lawyers, I am presently studying the available remedies and appropriate courses of action. Nevertheless, no administrative sanction can alter the facts that will be presented before the courts. No disciplinary action can diminish the right of the victims’ families to seek justice or the duty of witnesses to testify truthfully," he added. –NB, GMA News