DEPUTY Speaker Janette L. Garin of Iloilo on Sunday responded to renewed references to the Dengvaxia controversy following a Mother’s Day greeting posted by Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste that alluded to the issue.
Garin said efforts to bring back the Dengvaxia controversy risk diverting attention from broader public health concerns faced by the country in previous years.
“The Dengvaxia scare became a distraction from the more fundamental public health challenges during the previous administration. It is unfortunate that there continue to be attempts to revive this issue despite the established fact that the cases filed against me have already been dismissed,” Garin said.
She also expressed concern over what she described as the continued circulation of unverified claims and testimonies linked to the controversy.
“It is also concerning that unverified autopsies and questionable testimonies continue to be used in attempts to damage my reputation. Nevertheless, we remain committed to the truth and will continue to face these issues through facts and proper processes,” she added.
Garin likewise acknowledged Leviste’s Mother’s Day greeting.
“At the same time, I thank Cong. Lean for the Mother’s Day greetings. Malapit yan sa puso ko,” Garin said.
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