MANILA, Philippines — Former health secretary Enrique Ona is willing to testify before the Senate inquiry on the controversial Dengvaxia vaccine, and has blamed his successor Janette Garin for the purchase of the anti-dengue vaccine. In an interview at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport upon arrival from the United States yesterday, Ona said it was Garin who advised former president Benigno Aquino lll to purchase the Dengvaxia vaccine. Ona resigned as health secretary in 2014 when the past administration was considering the purchase of the vaccine from Sanofi Pasteur. Ona said he knew the possible effects of Dengvaxia on people with no history of dengue, but the past administration still purchased the vaccine without carefully reviewing its long-term effect. The Department of Justice has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to start its probe on who are responsible for the anti-dengue vaccine mess.

Source: Philippine Star December 18, 2017 16:41 UTC