Iloilo Representative Garin Urges Vigilance Against Medical Misinformation

Iloilo 1st District Representative and House Deputy Majority Leader Janette Garin has issued a stern warning to the public about the dangers of medical misinformation propagated by individuals she described as fearmongers. In a recent statement, Garin specifically criticized Dr. Tony Leachon, labeling him a ‘fake expert’ following a court ruling that questioned his medical expertise. Garin’s comments were triggered by Leachon’s open letter to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., where he criticized the administration’s focus on healthcare. Garin, who previously served as Health Secretary, used her privilege speech to highlight the ongoing spread of digital misinformation by Leachon. She emphasized that such actions contribute to infodemics, which she described as a breeding ground for distorted medical facts. Garin stressed the importance of countering these threats to public health, noting that the World Health Organization has also called for efforts to manage the spread of infodemics. She accused Leachon of misleading Filipinos with twisted information, urging the public not to remain silent in the face of such deceit.