Gordon on Dengvaxia issues vs Aquino: ‘Just doing my job’

Sen. Richard Gordon (File photo by GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Sen. Richard Gordon on Sunday said he had nothing against former President Benigno Aquino III, who lamented that his political opponents were out to “demonize” him through the Dengvaxia issue.

READ: Aquino says political opponents out to ‘besmirch, demonize’ him through Dengvaxia cases

Sought for comment on the former President’s remark, Gordon, chairman of the blue ribbon committee that investigated the Dengvaxia mess, maintained he was just doing his job.

“Why should I react? I am not his political enemy. I’m just doing my job. I have nothing against him,” Gordon told INQUIRER.net in a phone interview.

On Sunday, Aquino lamented that his political opponents were using the Denngvaxia related cases filed against him to “besmirch and demonize” his reputation.

“I am a person of their interest whose reputation has to be besmirched, demonized,” Aquino said.

READ: Roque: Duterte not behind alleged efforts to ‘demonize’ predecessor

In the draft committee report, the Senate blue ribbon committe found Aquino and several of his Cabinet members liable for violating several sections of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act 3019 ) and other laws in connection with the procurement and distribution of the Dengvaxia vaccine.

With the signatures of 14 senators, the report can now be tackled at the plenary.

Standing by the findings of the Senate probe, Gordon said he held no grudge against anybody.

“But unfortunately, the fact show that the very least he was grossly negligent…especially on the matter of procurement that is causing all these problems,” Gordon said. “I’m not the one who files charges. I just investigate and as they come I look at them. There is no political color in my judgment.” /atm