Aquino to attend Senate probe

Former President Benigno Simeon Aquino III INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

Former President Benigno Aquino III said on Wednesday that he would attend the Senate inquiry into the Dengvaxia vaccine fiasco on Thursday, hoping it would result in a sober discussion of the controversy.

“I hope that my appearing will promote a more sober discussion leading to the formulation of appropriate actions,” he told the Inquirer in a text message.

P3-5B program

Aquino was invited to the Senate blue ribbon committee hearing, which is looking into the controversy that has led to the halting of the government’s P3.5-billion dengue immunization program.

The government bought Dengvaxia supplies toward the end of Aquino’s administration.