DAVAO CITY (November 6)– The government will pursue charges against individuals and officials involved in the controversial Dengvaxia vaccine case, as Malacanang vowed “forceful action” to bring justice to the families of children “whose deaths are reportedly caused by the said vaccine.”
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, in a statement said appropriate charges “will be lodged and pursued against government officials and private individuals found responsible by the DOJ for this failed health program for children,”
Former government officials led by former health chief Janette Garin, incumbent Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and 36 others are facing complaints before the Department of Justice (DOJ) for deaths linked to the anti-dengue vaccine.
“The President is monitoring the issues surrounding the anti-dengue vaccine called Dengvaxia and he hears all the calls of justice of families of children whose deaths are reportedly caused by the said vaccine, “he added.
Panelo said the DOJ is expected to come up with a resolution on the case before the end of the month as it already concluded its preliminary investigation on the first batch of cases . Two more batches of cases involving 18 other deaths are undergoing separate preliminary investigation before the DOJ.
The DOJ resolution will determine whether or not there exists probable cause to indict the respondents, led by former health secretary Janette Garin, on the charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and violations of Anti-Torture Act and Consumer Act filed by the families of nine victims. – Jiann Padillo/ NewsLine
