MANILA, Philippines – Sin tax lobbyist and health reform advocate Dr Anthony Leachon has been appointed as a director of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) board, a Department of Health (DOH) official confirmed on Tuesday, January 19.

Dr Minguita Padilla, head executive staff of Health Secretary Janette Garin, confirmed Leachon’s appointment as a member of the PhilHealth board in a text message to Rappler.

“We received his appointment papers yesterday. He was appointed as the representative of the Monetary Board,” Padilla said.

Asked about his appointment, Leachon replied in a text message, “Yes, I’ll accept it.”

Leachon, an internist and cardiologist at the Manila Doctors Hospital, graduated from the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery in 1985. He was among the top passers of the Professional Regulatory Commission Medical Board in 1986.

The multi-awarded physician served as a DOH consultant but resigned in 2013 after then health chief Enrique Ona supported stem cell therapy.

Leachon is among 5 personalities recognized at Rappler’s Move Awards in 2015. – Rappler.com