PAO files 3 more Dengvaxia raps vs Janette Garin

MANILA, Philippines — The Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) yesterday recommended to the Department of Justice (DOJ) the filing of criminal complaints against former health secretary Janette Garin and other officials for the death of three more children who reportedly took part in the government’s anti-dengue Dengvaxia vaccination program.

In separate complaints, the PAO filed the cases on behalf of the parents of alleged victims Leiden Alcabasa, 12, of Calamba, Laguna; Eira Mae Galoso, 11, of Muntinlupa City; and Riceza Salgo, 12, of Silang, Cavite, who were reportedly inoculated with Dengvaxia.

The three children reportedly received their vaccinations from their school and community.

The PAO has filed around a total of 38 Dengvaxia-related recommended complaints before the DOJ.

PAO recommended the filing of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide; violation of the Anti-Torture Act of 2009; and violation of the Consumer Act of the Philippines (defective or mislabeled product) against those who contributed to the death of the three children.

The PAO filed the complaint against Garin; current and former Department of Health officials led by incumbent Secretary Francisco Duque; officers of Sanofi Pasteur, the manufacturer of the Dengvaxia drug; and Zuellig Pharma Corp., the distributor of Dengvaxia in the country.