Ombudsman files graft charges against ex-health chief Garin over Dengvaxia purchase

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 25) — The Ombudsman has filed graft and technical malversation charges against former health chief and now Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin over the controversial school-based dengue vaccination program during the Aquino administration.

Named as Garin's co-accused in the case filed before the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan are Department of Health supply chain management director Joyce Ducusin, former Undersecretary Gerardo Bayugo, former Undersecretary Kenneth Hartigan-Go, and Philippine Children's Medical Center Executive Director Julius Lecciones. CNN Philippines has obtained copies of the documents.

According to the Ombudsman, these officials had a hand in the realignment of the department's budget for the purchase and roll-out of Dengvaxia vaccines for public school students.

The government spent ₱3.5 billion for the purchase of the dengue vaccines from pharmaceutical giant Sanofi Pasteur in 2016 as part of the health department's expanded immunization program.

However, the Ombudsman noted in the charge sheet filed on Tuesday that Dengvaxia was not part of the program.

«And not listed in Volume 1 of the Philippine National Drug Formulary in violation of Executive Order No. 49 series of 1993 and related administrative orders and issuances to the damage of public service,» the Ombudsman said.

Over 800,000 grade schoolers had already been vaccinated when Sanofi announced that Dengvaxia could cause severe dengue if the vaccinee had not been infected by the virus before immunization.

In a statement, Garin said she welcomes the case as it will be the best recourse to finally put an end to the Dengvaxia issue.

TIMELINE: The Dengvaxia controversy

She insists her conscience is clear and that there was no corruption involved in the purchase of the vaccines.

«Globally, the Philippines got the cheapest price. The whole world is continuously using the vaccine. It's listed in World Health Organization's Essential Medicines List which means all countries are mandated to make it available to its people at all times. The nuance between pro-vaccine and anti-vaxxers is part of the challenges of doctors and vaccinologists like us,» Garin