Deputy Speaker and Janette Garin on Sunday pushed back against renewed references to the Dengvaxia controversy after a Mother’s Day greeting posted by Leandro Leviste alluded to the issue.
The Iloilo lawmaker said reviving the Dengvaxia controversy risks diverting attention from the country’s more pressing public health challenges during previous administrations.
“The Dengvaxia scare became a distraction from the more fundamental public health challenges during the previous administration. It is unfortunate that there continue to be attempts to revive this issue despite the established fact that the cases filed against me have already been dismissed,” Garin said.
She also raised concern over what she described as the continued use of unverified claims and testimonies linked to the controversy.
“It is also concerning that unverified autopsies and questionable testimonies continue to be used in attempts to damage my reputation. Nevertheless, we remain committed to the truth and will continue to face these issues through facts and proper processes,” she added.
Despite the controversy, Garin acknowledged the Mother’s Day greeting from Leviste.
“At the same time, I thank Cong. Lean for the Mother’s Day greetings. Malapit yan sa puso ko,” she said.