(Eagle News) — Former President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday hinted at attending the Senate hearing on the Dengvaxia mess.
“We want to participate in telling the truth to the people, as we have always done; at the same time, observing compliance to various laws, rules and traditions,” Aquino said in a text message to the media.
Aquino added he has already received the invitation to attend the hearing to be held by the blue ribbon and health committees on Thursday at 4 p.m.
Invitations have also been reportedly served to former Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. and his former Budget Secretary Florencio Abad.
The Dengvaxia snafu started when Sanofi, the drug manufacturer, admitted “severe cases” could occur in individuals who were administered the vaccine but who have not had dengue beforehand.
The vaccine was procured during Aquino’s term.
Over 800,000 schoolchildren were vaccinated under the dengue vaccination program that was launched in 2016, under Aquino’s Health Secretary Janette Garin’s administration.
