Public health advocate Dr. Tony Leachon on Friday, 1 August, described the alleged involvement of Health Secretary Ted Herbosa and five other officials in the questionable allocation of psychiatric medications as “deeply troubling.”

In a statement sent to the DAILY TRIBUNE Leachon said that in times of scrutiny, "humility must walk hand in hand with accountability."

"The recent Ombudsman inquiry into DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa’s alleged involvement in the questionable allocation of psychiatric medications to a private civic group is deeply troubling — not only for its legal implications, but for what it suggests about stewardship of public trust," he said.

"While the facts must be established through due process, the concerns raised — ranging from inventory mismanagement to potential violations of pharmaceutical and anti-graft laws — deserve transparent and forthright answers," he added.

Herbosa and five other Department of Health officials face multiple corruption complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman over P44.6 million worth of mental health drugs.

The complaint was filed by concerned DOH personnel and healthcare governance advocates against Herbosa; Officer-in-Charge and Director for Supply Chain Management Engr. Dave Masiado; DOH Medical Officer IV Dr. Carmela N. Granada; Timotei Jemma A. Rabe; Tasneem A. Amping; Erwin J. Odpoga; and Ramon Guiang.

It stemmed from the allegedly questionable and disproportionate allocation of government-procured psychiatric medications to the private civic organization Rotary Club of Quezon City.

The allocation, composed of regulated and prescription-only psychiatric medications nearing expiry, raises serious concerns, including: misuse of public property, concealment of over-procurement and inventory mismanagement, circumvention of government disposal protocols, and possible violations of pharmaceutical and anti-graft laws.

Leachon emphasized that the DOH is not merely a bureaucracy but a lifeline for millions: "Its integrity must be beyond reproach."

"Let us not rush to judgment, but neither should we turn away from uncomfortable truths," he said. "May this moment be an opportunity for reflection, reform, and a recommitment to the principles that should guide public service: honesty, prudence, and respect for the people’s resources."

DOH spokesperson Undersecretary Albert Domingo, meanwhile, said the department would refrain from commenting until the Ombudsman serves the official complaint.

"We await the official service of the reported complaint before any action or comment," Domingo told DAILY TRIBUNE.