Public health expert Tony Leachon has criticized a circulating promotional video that allegedly portrays Health Secretary Ted Herbosa as a potential senatorial candidate and draws comparisons to the late former senator Juan Flavier.
The one-minute video, which has reportedly been circulating among Department of Health (DOH) officials and other government figures, presents Herbosa in a light some observers interpret as positioning him for a possible 2028 Senate bid.
The clip comes amid ongoing issues facing the DOH, including complaints filed before the Office of the Ombudsman over alleged irregularities in the procurement and use of medicines and vaccines.
In a Facebook post, Leachon said the comparison to Flavier was “unbelievable,” stressing that the late senator was widely regarded as a physician-leader known for humility, innovation, and public service.
“To compare himself to Senator Juan Flavier is to stretch credibility beyond recognition,” Leachon said.
He added that Flavier was remembered for “humility, innovation, and genuine compassion.”
He also described Herbosa as “a politician in disguise,” saying there is a wide gap between the two in terms of values and leadership style.
“The distance between them is not measured in years but in values: a million miles apart,” he added.
Leachon further raised concerns over Herbosa’s record, citing alleged controversies including Ombudsman cases, so-called “ghost hospitals,” expired medicines worth billions of pesos, and programs that he said may weaken the country’s universal healthcare system.
“This betrayal of public health funds undermined the very institution meant to protect the Filipino people,” he said.
He also criticized the transfer of ₱60 billion from PhilHealth reserves to the national treasury, which was later ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. Leachon said the move undermined public health financing and trust in institutions.
“The Filipino people deserve a health secretary who strengthens institutions, protects resources, and serves with humility. On these counts, Secretary Herbosa has fallen short,” Leachon said.
“Public trust is sacred. Once broken, it cannot be restored by ambition or propaganda. It can only be rebuilt by truth, service, and reform," he added.
