Garin: Dropping of Dengvaxia cases a 'win for science'

Former Health Secretary Janette Garin on Tuesday said that the Department of Justice (DOJ)'s decision to drop charges against her and two others over the use of anti-dengue Dengvaxia vaccine is a win for science and justice.

"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," Garin said in a statement.

"Justice has prevailed, and I welcome this ruling with gratitude and renewed commitment," she added.

Garin, now an Iloilo representative, was referring to the DOJ resolution directing the Prosecutor General to withdraw the Reckless Imprudence Resulting to Homicide against her and two other respondents over the deaths of 98 children injected with the Dengvaxia vaccine.

This, after the DOJ found the evidence against them insufficient as well as the lack of a prima facie case.

“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,” said Garin.

Parts of the DOJ Resolution read, “In the scheme of things that transpired involving Dengvaxia, we found that the step-by-step procedures undertaken by respondents-appellants, leading to the implementation of the program do not exhibit inexcusable lack of precaution to hold them liable for reckless imprudence resulting to homicide."

Likewise, Garin called on the Public Attorney's Office (PAO), which is under the DOJ, to disclose the amount of public funds used for the case.

"Much has been spent on the Dengvaxia cases. I call on the PAO to disclose this information for transparency. These funds should be used instead to assist those who have been unjustly jailed and urgently need support," Garin said.

Doctors Gerardo Bayugo and Ma. Joyce Ducusin, who were cleared of the charges alongside Garin, also welcomed the DOJ decision for "stopping an unfair legal process."

“The DOJ decision came at a time when justice was at risk of being denied to us," they said in a joint statement coursed through Garin's office.

Garin then cautioned authorities against exploiting grieving parents who have already lost their children.

"Stop playing on their emotions for personal or political gain. These parents have become victims of political maneuvering instead of being provided genuine support," Garin said.

Cry for justice

Parents of the supposed victims of the Dengvaxia vaccine rallied in front of the DOJ building Monday, urging them to push through with the case.

"Gobyerno po ang may kasalanan neto, kung hindi sila nagkamali pupunta ba kami dito sa harapan niyo?.. Gusto ko po makamit ang hustisya, sana naman secretary, maawa naman po kayo samin," said Annalyn Eboña, one of the complainants. 

(The government is to blame, if they didn't make a mistake, would we come here in front of you?.. I want to achieve justice, I hope the secretary will have mercy.)

"Pahintulutan niyo po na mapakita namin, makamit namin ang hustisya," said another complaianant, Teresa Sedilla.

(Please allow us and help us achieve justice.)

—VAL, GMA Integrated News