Garin asks DOJ to junk 'malicious' Dengvaxia complaint

MANILA, Philippines — Former Health Secretary Janette Garin refuted the “false and malicious” accusations against her over her alleged criminal liability in the inoculation of schoolchildren with the controversial anti-dengue vaccine.

The Department of Justice on Monday resumed its preliminary investigation into alleged liabilities of former and incumbent government officials over the controversial anti-dengue vaccine Dengvaxia.

Garin, in her 69-page counter-affidavit, argued that “causality between the alleged recklessly imprudent acts and the material damage has not been established” that would prove that there is probable cause to indict her.

Garin said that the cases lacked proof “that there was any clinical diagnosis of viscerotropism or neutrotropism.”

Viscerotropism is a medical term defining an effect on the internal organs, while neurotropism is an effect on nerves. Scott Halstead, an expert on dengue, cautioned against the use of the said medical terms in relation to Dengvaxia.

“The bare claim that deaths or injury are caused by Dengvaxia without competent medical or scientific proof, cannot establish the existence of probable cause,” Garin said.

 Malacañang last month said that it will create a three-member team of foreign health experts to conduct a deeper probe on whether the vaccine is the cause of the reported deaths of children vaccinated with Dengvaxia.

Garin also argued that during her stint as health chief, “there was no information or medical evidence available that would affect the profile of the vaccine or that would otherwise indicate health risks or hazards associate with the vaccine.”

“Contrary to the malicious, twisted and baseless accusations of the complainants and the corresponding report and recommendation memorandum (Public Attorney’s Office Report and Memorandum), the Dengue Immunization Program was implemented after a thorough evaluation process as to its necessity and urgency, as well as the readiness of the government to undertake the same,” Garin added.

“All our acts were therefore bonafide, regular, and legitimate and cannot therefore give rise to any liability against us,” the former health chief also said.

Garin is facing a complaint of reckless impudence resulting in homicide and violation of the law against torture filed by kin of children who allegedly died due to complications from being inoculated with Dengvaxia. — Kristine Joy Patag