Aguirre to order probe into P3.5-B dengue vaccine program

 Justice Sec. Vitaliano Aguirre. INQUIRER/ MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II over the weekend said he will order an investigation on the controversial P3.5-billion dengue vaccine project of the Department of Health (DOH) that reportedly put at risk the health risks of children vaccinated but without history of the disease.

“I will have it investigated. I will prepare ASAP the appropriate department order. Everybody who has some involvement will be included and appropriate charges will be filed against them if warranted,” Aguirre said in a text message. He said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will be tapped to conduct the probe.

He said he personally received complaints from parents who received the anti-dengue vaccine in April 2016.

“One complained to me that his son who was inoculated of that anti-dengue vaccine in April 2016 is now sick of ‘baby tb’ and his immune system is now very weak and has become a financial burden to them,” he said.

The project was approved by former DOH Sec. Janette Garin during the time of former President Benigno Aquino III despite strong objections from medical experts due to lack of certification from the World Health Organization. /je