Aquino slams VACC’s Topacio; says lawyer’s accusations vs him, other former gov’t officials not backed up by proof

Former President Benigno Aquino III holds a press conference after attending the Senate blue ribbon committee’s hearing on the Dengvaxia mess on Thursday, December 15, 2017. /Meanne Corvera/Eagle News Service/

(Eagle News) — Former President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday slammed lawyer Ferdinand Topacio after he recommended that he and several of his officials be investigated for plunder over the Dengvaxia mess.

“Siyempre, gusto (kong) sabihin alam mo, sinisiraan mo reputasyon namin. Pwede ka (ma)slander, hindi ka covered ng parliamentary immunity. Magbibitaw ka (ng salita), ganun na lang e,” Aquino said in a press conference after attending the Senate hearing on the snafu.

According to Aquino, the allegations of Topacio, who was speaking on behalf of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption, were not supported by proof in the first place.

“Mag-aakusa sila tapos pinahanap kina Senator (Richard) Gordon at miyembro ng blue ribbon (committee), kayo maghain ng ebidensya namin..,” Aquino said.

Apart from Aquino, Topacio also recommended that former Budget Secretary Butch Abad, former Health Secretary Janette Garin, among others, be probed for plunder over the Dengvaxia snafu.

The snafu started when Sanofi, the drug manufacturer, admitted “serious cases” could occur in individuals who have not had dengue.

In its defense, it said the information came to light only recently.