Garin hails ‘victory for truth, justice’
FORMER Health secretary now Iloilo Representative Janette Garin welcomed the ruling of the Department of Health to drop the case against her and other health experts in connection with the Dengvaxia vaccine.
Garin has commended the move of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, saying the decision “reaffirms truth and justice in public health.”
“This decision is a victory for truth, justice, and science. It affirms that public health decisions based on sound evidence and expert guidance cannot be tainted by baseless accusations. Justice has prevailed, and I welcome this ruling with gratitude and renewed commitment,” Garin said in a statement.
In the resolution, DOJ has directed the Prosecutor General to withdraw the case for Reckless Imprudence Resulting to Homicide against Garin and the two co-respondents, citing insufficient evidence and the lack of a prima facie case.
The DOJ ruling emphasized the absence of a causal link between the Dengvaxia vaccine and the alleged deaths, supported by scientific studies from the World Health Organization and esteemed medical experts.
“It’s only in the Philippines that Dengvaxia has been ridiculously accused of ‘causing death.’ Globally, it has been recognized as a safe and effective vaccine that prevents severe dengue and saves lives,” the Iloilo lawmaker said.
Garin also expressed concern over the PAO’s ongoing delays in case resolution, using taxpayer money without accountability.
“The case build-up should have been completed long ago, but instead, it is still being prolonged unnecessarily. The PAO continues to delay case resolution, consuming taxpayer money with no accountability.”
Moreover, the former health secretary called for transparency regarding the funds spent on the Dengvaxia cases, adding that the public health has been politicized.
She also urged an end to exploiting grieving parents and stop giving false hope to those who have already lost their children.
For their part, Doctors Gerardo Bayugo and Ma. Joyce Ducusin said this action of the DoJ prevents a serious legal error or potential wrongful conviction.
The so-called Dengvaxia doctors were charged of at least 98 criminal cases.
“The DOJ decision has stopped an unfair legal process and ensure the proper application of the law, and it came at a time when justice was at risk of being denied to us,” said two doctors said.
AUTHOR PROFILE
GARIN CLEARED