Photo credit: Pharmally

The Pharmally scandal represents one of the most significant breaches of public trust in recent Philippine history. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Health (DOH) allocated a staggering P41.46 billion to the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) for purchasing medical supplies.

Out of this, P11.5 billion was awarded to Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp., a company with a meager initial capital of P625,000. The lack of due diligence, potential misuse of public funds, and involvement of high-ranking officials such as Francisco Duque III and Lloyd Christopher Lao, who now face severe penalties, have rightfully sparked widespread outrage and calls for comprehensive reforms in government procurement processes.
Dr. Leachon's Crusade Against Bell-Kenz: A Misguided Focus

Amid this national scandal, Dr. Anthony Leachon's focus on Bell-Kenz Pharmaceutical has taken an exaggerated turn. His allegations of financial incentives offered to doctors by Bell-Kenz have been amplified to dramatic proportions, labeling it as "worse than Pharmally."

During his fervent Facebook live sessions, Leachon has called for an investigation by the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), describing the situation with sensationalist language such as "highly irregular, highly irresponsible, and highly criminal."

The Real Issue: Pharmally's Impact on Public Trust

The Bell-Kenz issue pales in comparison to the Pharmally scandal. Pharmally's implications extend far beyond a business dispute; it highlights systemic corruption and the egregious misuse of taxpayer money, eroding public trust in government institutions.

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, led by former Senator Richard Gordon, has uncovered potential graft involving both government officials and Pharmally executives, making this a matter of national importance that overshadows any private sector disputes.

Hypocrisy and Misplaced Priorities

The hypocrisy in Dr. Leachon's handling of these issues is glaring. While he fervently crusades against Bell-Kenz, a matter primarily concerning private sector ethics, he appears to downplay or selectively engage with the more pressing and impactful Pharmally scandal. This selective crusade raises questions about his motives and priorities, especially considering his past role as a special adviser to the National Task Force against COVID-19. Is Dr. Leachon diverting attention from the more significant issue to appease big pharma companies?

Focusing on What Truly Matters

The Philippine healthcare sector is at a crossroads, and the focus should be on addressing the most critical issues with integrity and transparency. The Pharmally scandal demands relentless scrutiny and accountability, as it directly impacts public trust and the integrity of government operations.

Dr. Leachon, given his influential position and public platform, should prioritize advocating for justice and reforms in the wake of Pharmally, rather than amplifying secondary issues for dramatic effect.

In the end, the real battle lies in restoring public confidence and ensuring that healthcare leaders uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct. Dr. Leachon must recognize the weight of his influence and direct it towards the most pressing issues that truly matter to the Filipino people.