The Department of Justice (DOJ) has dismissed the reckless imprudence resulting in homicide charges against former Health Secretary and current Iloilo 1st District Representative Janette Garin, along with two former Department of Health (DOH) officials, Gerardo Bayugo and Ma. Joyce Ducusin, over the controversial Dengvaxia anti-dengue vaccine.
In a resolution issued on January 10, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla instructed the prosecutor general to withdraw the cases, citing insufficient evidence to establish a causal link between the vaccine and the alleged deaths.
Remulla emphasized that the voluminous evidence presented failed to prove that the Dengvaxia vaccine directly caused the children’s deaths. He pointed out that medical experts, including testimony from a Senate Blue Ribbon committee hearing, noted that vaccine-related diseases should manifest within eight days of vaccination, which was not the case for the reported incidents.
The DOJ also highlighted that the children’s inoculation occurred after Garin’s term as health secretary ended in June 2016. Additionally, proper protocols, including health assessments and parental consent, were reportedly followed before the vaccination program.
Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez confirmed that the DOJ would review other similar complaints and might withdraw pending cases against the three officials if evidence remains insufficient.
Meanwhile, families of the alleged vaccine victims protested the dismissal by marching on their knees outside the DOJ, urging the government to reconsider their appeal. They maintained that adverse effects of the vaccine caused their children’s illnesses and deaths.
Despite the DOJ’s decision, cases already filed in court will proceed under judicial scrutiny.
