From Censored to Chiefs: Bhattacharya and RFK Jr., Once Ridiculed for Opposing COVID Lockdowns, Now Lead U.S. Health Agencies

In yet another historic development in U.S. public health leadership, the Senate has confirmed Dr. Jay Bhattacharya as the new Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with a 53–47 vote. As reported by CBS News, this comes on the heels of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s appointment as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services—putting two of the most prominent critics of the global COVID response in charge of America’s top health institutions. (Kennedy was confirmed on February 6, 2025.) Dr. Bhattacharya, a Stanford professor and physician-economist, gained international attention as co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration. The document called for focused protection of the vulnerable rather than blanket lockdowns and sweeping mandates. While many labeled him controversial at the time, much of what he and his co-signatories warned about—from the economic damage to the psychological toll of restrictions—has since been validated. Throughout the pandemic, Bhattacharya stood against what he viewed as a politicized, fear-based, and often anti-scientific approach. He was censored, ridiculed, and dismissed by health agencies, mainstream media, and tech platforms for refusing to blindly follow the narrative. Now, he’s in charge of the $50 billion NIH, giving him a chance to reform the agency from the inside—to restore evidence-based science, defend academic freedom, and promote open debate over groupthink. This is more than a personal comeback. It’s a collective vindication for people like me and many others here in the Philippines—doctors, advocates, and ordinary citizens—who spoke up during the pandemic. While we were mocked, silenced, and even laughed at by the very people we were trying to protect, we held the line. We fought the same battle here at home: against bad policies, forced compliance, and blind obedience to foreign experts. We stood for real health, real science, and real freedom. And just like Dr. Bhattacharya, we did it not because it was easy—but because it was right. With Bhattacharya at NIH and Kennedy at HHS, this is a global turning point. Two men who were punished for questioning the so-called consensus now lead the system that once tried to silence them. What This Means for the U.S., the World, and the Philippines In the United States, this leadership shift could mean more transparency, accountability, and respect for medical choice. Globally, countries that copied the U.S. approach may start to question the damage caused by lockdowns, forced shots, and censorship disguised as “protection.” And here in the Philippines, this should push us to reflect. If the very institutions we blindly followed are now being reformed by the people they once censored—what does that say about our own pandemic response? It's time to reassess our direction, stop the blind obedience to foreign narratives, and start creating health policies that respect context, logic, and freedom. Let this also serve as a wake-up call: those of us who were ridiculed, mocked, and accused of being "dangerous" during the height of COVID hysteria were not the enemies. We were the ones asking the hard questions. And this moment proves we weren’t alone—we were just ahead of the curve. And yes, it’s time we stop pretending that health is not political. It always has been. LCIF is health, and health is political—because the moment policies, mandates, public funds, censorship, and institutional control are involved, it stops being just about personal wellness and becomes a matter of public power. Ironically, many who claim to be “apolitical” love talking about politicians—who to vote for, who they hate, who they support—but suddenly go silent or uncomfortable when the actual politics of health is brought up. The truth is, you can’t separate the two. Not anymore. Dr. Jay Bhattacharya’s confirmation isn’t just a personal milestone. It’s a turning point for those of us who refused to stay quiet. A validation for those who spoke up, stood their ground, and kept going—despite the mockery, censorship, and betrayal from the very people we cared about.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information, verified sources, and the author's independent analysis and opinion. It is not intended to defame, mislead, or misrepresent any individual, organization, or public official. Readers are encouraged to think critically and verify facts independently.