The Manila Times
THE Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) said Friday its decision to suspend health reform advocate Dr. Tony Leachon for six months for serious ethical violations is final and executory. The suspension bars Leachon from exercising the privileges of PCP membership for six months. The PCP added that its decision was made through a fair and impartial process, following allegations that Leachon issued defamatory and unethical public statements against fellow doctors. ”The decision was made independently and in accordance with the PCP’s mandate to uphold the ethical and professional standards expected of its members,” the PCP said. The board ruled that Leachon’s actions constituted a “serious offense” under the PCP Code of Ethics. ”Respondent Dr. Leachon committed a clear violation of his duties and responsibilities under the PCP Code of Ethics when he made certain public statements against herein Complainant Dr. Hartigan-Go and engaged in defamatory allegations and insinuations or claims of corruption and unethical practice against his colleagues in a public and official forum,” the board said in a statement. The board rejected Leachon’s defense that his statements were protected under free speech, emphasizing that professional criticism has limits, particularly when it harms reputations within the medical community. ”Constructive criticism is allowed, but it does not grant an unbridled license or blanket authority to defame, discredit, disparage or dishonor persons,” the board added. The PCP added that it respects the decision of its members to seek legal remedies regarding the suspension. ”As an institution, the PCP does not participate in political debates nor does it take positions on pending legal controversies beyond its mandate as a professional organization,” it said. In a Facebook post, Leachon expressed disappointment over the suspension, noting his actions were part of his advocacy for public health reform. ”That same institution has chosen to penalize me — not for wrongdoing, but for fighting for a higher goal, for standing on ethical ground,” Leachon said. ”What is ethical? Is it defending the victims of negligence and corruption, or is it complicity in the commission of a crime by remaining silent?” he added. Leachon noted that the public announcement came as a surprise, revealing that he was given two weeks to appeal, but the suspension was already made public. ”My hope is simply that any penalty be fair, measured and proportionate, and that due process is observed in both spirit and practice,” he said.
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