National Task Force against COVID-19 Chief Implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. confirmed that Dr. Anthony Leachon is not part of the government’s COVID-19 response and only served as a special adviser of the NTF against COVID-19.
Dr. Leachon formally resigned from his position on Wednesday.
According to Sec. Galvez, “Dr. Leachon’s preemptive releases of some information prior to official announcement and adaption jeopardized the communication efforts of the IATF and NTF and caused unwarranted misunderstanding between two entities that should be working together.”
Sec. Galvez has added that there must be no conflict between the two task forces especially in times of crisis.
A few days before the official announcement of the new classifications of the community quarantine, Dr. Leachon tweeted in his account that it seems that the Department of Health (DOH) is not focused on responding to the pandemic. Two cabinet members disliked the post.
Amid the conflict, Sec. Galvez has expressed his gratitude towards the service of Dr. Leachon.
“I maintain my respects for Dr. Anthony Leachon and thank him for his services rendered to the National Task Force on COVID-19 albeit very short.”
For his part, Leachon said he and Sec. Galvez had a proper conversation regarding his resignation. He stated that he has great admiration for the Chief Implementer due to his dedication in responding to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
“I think he is one of the best leaders. Ayoko lang ho maging pabigat sa kanya kasi the moment na nagco-comment po ako, siya po ang napapasama. (I don’t want to be a burden because the moment I comment, he gets the flak)… I hope to dedicate my talent and skills na mawala itong pandemic na ito (until the pandemic is gone), in my own way. I might be one person, but I can communicate and educate the public on what to do” Dr. Anthony Leachon stated. – Report from Bea Bernardo
