Dr. Tony Leachon on Tuesday submitted his resignation letter to Health Secretary Teodoro "Ted" Herbosa, officially leaving his post as special adviser for non-communicable diseases to the Department of Health.

"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," Leachon said in the letter dated 11 September but released to media on Tuesday.

"The decision has not been made lightly, and it comes after much thought and consideration. I appreciate your kind understanding and support. I wish the DOH team continued success in the future," he added.

Leachon was tapped by Herbosa to be the Health department's special adviser for non-communicable diseases last month.

In a lengthy statement posted on his social media page, Leachon expressed his intent to "help the country," which he said has been his "lifelong commitment."

However, he pointed out that "it's tough working with a system when your ideas are not welcome and when powerful people attack you unprovoked."

"And you're alone defending yourself when there's nothing to explain. They call it power play or politics," he added.

He also mentioned that the budget deliberation of the DoH at the House of Representatives last week served as an "eye-opener" to him.

"It's not good to be defending one's qualifications in the public eye. At this stage, I do not have to prove anything anymore," he said.

"Well, you may find it difficult to cope with the situation, but eventually, you will learn to value yourself and not run after people, positions, and relationships that are not meant for you," he added.

Leachon also noted that he resigned from his post to spare his family from the past issues that continue to haunt him.

"The Dengvaxia case will drag on for years. And they will be trying relentlessly to discredit me all throughout its pendency. People don't care anymore," he said.

During the budget deliberation, Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin, a former health secretary, questioned the post given to Leachon at the agency.

Garin was the DoH secretary when the government rolled out the Dengvaxia vaccine to public elementary schools across the country.

At the height of the highly politicized controversy, Leachon said late President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III could not be blamed for the Dengvaxia mess if he was fed the wrong information by the World Health Organization and then-DOH chief Garin.

Prior to his appointment, Leachon served as a special adviser to the National Task Force against Covid-19 under the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

He, however, resigned from his post citing differences with the government's Covid-19 pandemic policies.