Ex-Pres. Aquino shows up at House inquiry on Dengvaxia

Former President Benigno S. Aquino III (center) arrives at the House of Representatives, Quezon City, to attend the congressional probe on dengvaxia vaccine. NIÑO JESUS ORBETA / Philippine Daily Inquirer

Former President Benigno S. Aquino III has arrived at the House of Representatives to attend the congressional inquiry on the controversial anti-dengue immunization program during his term.

This was the first time Aquino attended a House hearing since he finished his term in June 2016.

Last December, Aquino also showed up at the Senate hearing on the immunization program, which used the anti-dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia, which some sectors blamed for the death of a number of children.

Former Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad was also present in hearing.

The House committee on good government and public accountability is investigating the government’s purchase of P3.5 billion worth of Dengvaxia from French pharmaceutical firm Sanofi Pasteur.             /kga

Former President Benigno S. Aquino III (seated) appears before a congressional inquiry on Monday, February 26, 2018, at the House of Representatives on the purchase of the P3.5 billion-worth Dengvaxia from Sanofi Pasteur. The vaccine was used in the anti-dengue immunization of the Department of Health that commenced during the Aquino administration. (Photo by Erwin Aguilon, DZIQ)