In recent weeks, print, broadcast, and social media have criticized and maligned healthcare professionals having personal or financial interests in pharmaceutical companies and other related businesses. It is a rash and unfair judgement promoted through misinformation. While personal or financial relationship in a business may constitute conflict of interest, the same is not inherently unethical. Undoubtedly, the recent stone-throwing has tarnished the unblemished reputation and integrity of the medical community, the medical societies and organizations, and their members. 

Bent on maligning the reputation of healthcare professionals, irresponsible individuals have circulated documents and photos meant to mislead and cast doubts upon the integrity of doctors. This act is not only illegal but equally unfair and unwarranted for it subjected the healthcare professionals concerned to serious condemnation, embarrassment, harassment, and prejudice - all without due process, inflicting mental, emotional, and psychological pain and anguish, none of which these doctors deserve. 

Lest we forget, our colleagues have dedicated their lives to the care and treatment of patients. This was exemplified during the COVID-19 pandemic where they continued to treat and care for patients courageously facing the disease and risking possible infection or even death. They are heroes deserving of respect and admiration, and are not to be treated like outcasts in the court of public opinion.

We denounce this unjust and malicious harassment of our colleagues and the medical community as a whole. Such irresponsible actions only serve to sow discord and distrust among our fellow health workers and between us and our patients. We denounce the campaign to malign and destroy the reputation and integrity of our colleagues without due process of law. Finally, we denounce the malicious spreading of misinformation  that undermines the credibility of our entire profession and poses a significant threat to public health.

We believe we need to unite as a group to stand up to the circulation of misinformation motivated by personal motives. We demand that any allegations of misconduct be thoroughly investigated by the appropriate regulatory bodies—adhering to due process and ensuring fairness for all parties involved.

Let us invite all Filipinos — professionals from the medical community, patients, policymakers, and ordinary citizens alike — to stand with us. Together, let us defend the honor and integrity of our profession and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the well-being of our patients. We will fight this battle, stand up for the truth and stand for a just and equitable health care system for all.