(Eagle News) — Former President Benigno Aquino III confirmed on Wednesday that he would attend the Senate inquiry into the Dengvaxia snafu on Thursday.
“I hope that my appearing will promote a more sober discussion leading to the formulation of appropriate actions,” Aquino said in a text message to reporters.
Aquino’s executive secretary Paquito Ochoa and his Budget Secretary Florencio Abad are also expected to attend the probe jointly held by the blue ribbon and health committees.
The Dengvaxia snafu started when Sanofi, the drug manufacturer, admitted that “severe cases” could occur in individuals who were administered the vaccine but who have not had dengue.
The vaccine was procured under Aquino’s administration, and was used in the government’s vaccination program launched in 2016.
Over 800,000 schoolchildren were administered the vaccine under the program.
