Sandigan acquits Garin, co-accused over Dengvaxia case

The Sandiganbayan Second Division has formally acquitted House Deputy Speaker and Iloilo Representative Janette Garin of graft and technical malversation charges tied to the government’s procurement of Dengvaxia dengue vaccines in 2015.

State prosecutors filed the anti-graft case in 2023, alleging that Garin — who served as Health secretary under former President Benigno Aquino III — conspired with former Philippine Children’s Medical Center executive director Julius Lecciones and other health officials to illegally divert public funds to acquire the vaccines.

The anti-graft court also cleared former Department of Health Undersecretaries Gerardo Bayugo and Kenneth Hartigan-Go, along with former department officer-in-charge Joyce Ducusin. The court ordered the immediate release of their cash bonds and lifted all hold departure orders.

To recall, the Dengvaxia controversy triggered national public outcry in April 2016 after the department administered the vaccine to more than 830,000 public school students nationwide before manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur released updated safety data indicating potential risks for individuals not previously infected with dengue.

In 2018, Sanofi Pasteur refunded P1.4 billion to the Philippine government for unused vaccine doses returned by the health department.

Speaking to reporters following the ruling, Garin expressed relief, describing the acquittal as a vindication for medical experts and public health advocates.