ILOILO CITY – Iloilo Rep. Janette Loreto-Garin has sought a reinvestigation after the Office of the Ombudsman recommended the filing of graft charges against her and four others for their alleged involvement in the procurement of the controversial anti-dengue vaccine Dengvaxia.
“We will file a motion to reinvestigate since we were deprived of our constitutional right to procedural due process,” Garin, a former Health Secretary, said.
Garin said she was surprised that the Ombudsman found probable cause to indict her for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices over the purchase of the vaccines.
“This was a big surprise, especially that I am not aware of any existing case before the Ombudsman,” Garin said.
“I did ask a few years back when we read in the news filing of such a case, but was told to wait for any official notice so we can respond accordingly. This did not happen,” added Garin.
“Again, our conscience is clear and as experts and scientists, we appeal to the Ombudsman to allow us to respond as enshrined in our basic rights.”
Aside from Garin, also recommended to be charged by the Ombudsman were Health officials Maria Joyce Ducusin and Gerardo Bayugo, former Health Undersecretary Kenneth Hartigan-Go, and Dr. Julius Lecciones, executive director of the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) in Quezon City.