Public health expert Tony Leachon on Monday, September 11 resigned as Department of Health (DOH) Special Adviser for Non-communicable Diseases due to "personal reasons".

Leachon released to the media his formal letter of resignation dated September 11 and addressed to DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.

"I have made this decision after careful consideration, and it is based on personal reasons that I believe are best for me, my family, and my future," he said in the letter.

The public health expert said his decision to quit was not made "lightly, and it comes after much thought and consideration."

Last August 11, DOH announced that Herbosa tapped Lechon as the department’s Special Adviser for Non-Communicable Diseases.

But during the deliberation on health department's 2024 budget, former DOH Secretary and now Iloilo District Rep. Janette Garin questioned the appointment of Leachon.

"How was he chosen? Isn't it a duplication of expertise within the department because I saw the profile of one of the nominated by yours truly, I'm referring to Tony Leachon. Why don't we get the current president of the Philippine College of Physicians?" she earlier said.

Leachon earlier clarified that he did not volunteer as a DOH adviser, but he was personally invited to join.

In an interview during DZRH's Huntahan on Sunday, the public health expert said he was hurt that his works for the country are not being recognized.

"It's a thankless job. Sorry to unleash this. Sometimes, it's difficult. Maraming challenges na hinaharap ang bansa and we need also people to help the country, but to malign people in public in a public hearing ng DOH during budget hearing na hindi pa confirmed, ang Secretary of Health, hostage ang Secretary of Health," he added.