THE Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) has filed a 68-page motion for reconsideration with the Department of Justice (DOJ), urging it to reverse its decision to drop charges against former Health Secretary Janette Garin and others in connection with the Dengvaxia vaccine controversy.
The PAO argues that sufficient prima facie evidence exists to warrant the prosecution of Garin, Dr. Gerardo Bayugo, and Dr. Ma Joyce Ducusin. The motion emphasizes the deaths of 170 children and adults following Dengvaxia vaccinations, asserting that the respondents cannot evade accountability. The PAO contends that the respondents’ gross negligence and lack of foresight are clearly evident.
The DOJ’s decision to dismiss the charges cited a lack of causal link between the vaccine and the deaths, referencing World Health Organization studies. However, the PAO counters that Dengvaxia was a “new and experimental” vaccine, arguing that expertise cannot excuse criminal negligence in the face of documented fatal adverse effects. The PAO also maintains that the assessment of witness credibility is a matter for the trial court.
The PAO motion concludes by stating that the DOJ’s resolution constitutes grave abuse of discretion, denying victims and their families due process and fair play.
In response, former Secretary Garin questioned the government’s expenditure on the case, alleging excessive spending on “endless case build-up and ambulance chasing” by PAO leadership and expressing concern about the injustice inflicted upon Filipino scientists and health experts.
