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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PAO set to file criminal charges on 'deaths traced to Dengvaxia'

PAO set to file criminal charges on 'deaths traced to Dengvaxia'

Published Jul 12, 2021 03:09 pm

Public Attorney's Office

The Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) said on Monday, July 12, it is set to file criminal complaints on behalf of the families of seven dead children who got inoculated with Dengvaxia, an anti-dengue vaccine.

Erwin P. Erfe, PAO’s forensics chief, said the complaints are being prepared by a panel of lawyers “for filing with the Department of Justice (DOJ).”

In a virtual press conference, Erfe said: “Eto po yung huling pito na na-forensic exams ng PAO forensic laboratory (These are the last seven who underwent forensic examinations conducted by the PAO forensic laboratory).”

He said the PAO has temporarily halted accepting requests for autopsies of possible Dengvaxia victims.

“Yung mga request po (The requests) for forensic examination have been held in abeyance considering the travel restrictions and safety protocols being implemented by the government in light of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he explained.

He said the PAO has already autopsied a total of 165 persons who received the Dengvaxia vaccine.

As of Dec. 11, 2020, he said that PAO has already filed cases before the DOJ on behalf of the families of 155 dead victims and two survivors who got inoculated with Dengvaxia, he said.

A number of these case are already with the Quezon City regional trial court (RTC) Branch 107 which has been designated by the Supreme Court (SC) to handle all criminal cases concerning Dengvaxia, he added.

He pointed out that the RTC has already set the arraignment of seven accused, including former Health Secretary and incumbent Iloilo First District Rep. Janette L. Garin, on Sept. 20.

As of last June 29, PAO has filed with the Quezon city courts a total of 56 civil cases with 101 more cases to be filed soon.

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