Iloilo 1st district Rep. Janette Garin (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

A victory for truth, justice, and science.

That's how Iloilo 1st district Rep. Janette Garin described the Department of Justice's (DOJ) decision to withdraw the two-and-half year resolution that caused the filing of 98 criminal cases against the so-called Dengvaxia doctors. 

Garin, a former Department of Health (DOH) secretary who was implicated in the Dengvaxia case, commended the move of DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.

"This decision is a victory for truth, justice, and science. It affirms that public health decisions based on sound evidence and expert guidance cannot be tainted by baseless accusations," she said in a statement Tuesday, Jan. 28.

"Justice has prevailed, and I welcome this ruling with gratitude and renewed commitment," Garin stressed.

The DOJ directed the prosecutor general to withdraw the case for reckless imprudence resulting to homicide against Garin and two co-respondents, doctors Gerardo Bayugo and Ma. Joyce Ducusin.

The department cited insufficient evidence and the lack of a prima facie case.

Garin was the health chief when Dengvaxia, a dengue vaccine, was rolled out in public schools during the tail end of the Aquino administration in 2016. The controversial drug allegedly caused deaths among schoolchildren.

The DOJ ruling emphasized the absence of a causal link between the Dengvaxia vaccine and the alleged deaths, supported by scientific studies from the World Health Organization (WHO) and esteemed medical experts. Serious flaws in the forensic reports from the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) were also highlighted.

“It’s only in the Philippines that Dengvaxia has been ridiculously accused of ‘causing death'. Globally, it has been recognized as a safe and effective vaccine that prevents severe dengue and saves lives,” the Iloilo lawmaker remarked.

Garin also expressed concern over the PAO’s ongoing delays in case resolution, and the use of taxpayers' money without accountability. 

"The case build-up should have been completed long ago, but instead, it is still being prolonged unnecessarily. The PAO continues to delay case resolution, consuming taxpayer money with no accountability," she said.

Moreover, the former health secretary called for transparency regarding the funds spent on the Dengvaxia cases, adding that the public health has been politicized.

"Much has been spent on the Dengvaxia cases. I call on the [PAO] to disclose this information for transparency. These funds should be used instead to assist those who have been unjustly jailed and urgently need support."

She also called for an end to the exploitation of grieving parents and giving false hopes to those who have already lost their children. 

"Stop playing on their emotions for personal or political gain. These parents have become victims of political maneuvering instead of being provided genuine support," Garin concluded.