Aquino hits ‘loud’ forensic expert on Dengvaxia mess

Former President Benigno S. Aquino III has raised doubts over the background of a “loud” forensic expert speaking on the so-called Dengvaxia mess, comparing that person’s qualification with that of a fake certificate produced in the infamous diploma-mill spot in Recto, Manila.

Appearing for the first time before the House inquiry on the controversial anti-dengue vaccine used in the government’s immunization program on Monday, Aquino chided an unnamed government official for harping on the Dengvaxia issue.

In his opening statement, Aquino cited the call of University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) medical experts for some individuals to refrain from making “premature conclusions based on insufficient data” on Dengvaxia since it unjustly affects the integrity of other vaccination programs of the government.

“Silang mga aral at eksperto, sila po ang ating pagsalitain para mapayuhan tayo ng maayos,” Aquino said.

“Masakit po nito: Lahat na lang po may opinyon, kwalipikado man o hindi, lalo na po ‘yung isang maingay na ang certification ay tila isang antas lang ang lamang sa nabibiling diploma sa Recto,” he also said.

Without mentioning any name, Aquino proceeded to say that the official’s certification on forensics was reportedly earned after merely watching a one hour-thirty minute video and answering an online “open book” exam.

“May nagsiyasat sa certification niya, at nagsulat ng artikulo. Galing po ang certification ng maingay na ito sa kwestyunableng kurso kung saan manonood ka lang raw ng video ng isang oras-kalahati, saka mag-exam na open book, at matapos mong magbayad ng 660 dollars ay certified ka na sa forensics,” Aquino said.             /kga