Filipino physician Tony Leachon has resigned  as an adviser of the government’s pandemic task force, which formulates policies on the country’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

On Twitter, Leachon said he would no longer fulfill his role as adviser of the government’s inter-agency task force on emerging and infectious diseases (IATF) starting Wednesday.

“It’s with deepest regret that I announce that I am not anymore the Special Adviser of [the] National Adviser-COVID-19 effective today,” Leachon said in a tweet.

“I have my full respect for Sec. Charlie Galvez and we will remain as good friends,” Leachon said, referring to COVID-19 policy chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez.

Leachon said he had “lots of good memories” but had to “move on.”

Leachon is a Filipino physician, leader, preventive health education and health reform advocate./Stacy Ang