Dengvaxia,

by the WHO in 2010 to 2012, which is to control dengue through vector control, early consultation, estimate full burden of dengue, and vaccine implementation.”

Mr. Gordon said he understands that Ms. Garin was “enthusiastic” about bringing Dengvaxia to the Philippines.

“I cannot blame you. Dengvaxia is a miracle drug,” Mr. Gordon said. “What we saw was not just the protection rate of 65.5%, but what was important was the 80.8% reduction in hospitalization and 93.2% reduction in severity,” Ms. Garin added.

Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption General Counsel Atty. Ferdinand S. Topacio, meanwhile, accused Mr. Aquino of “conspiring with other officials in illegally- funded Dengvaxia program,” saying the release of funds for the procurement of Dengvaxia had presidential approval.

Mr. Topacio also suggested that the committee conduct a probe on the “plunder” committed by “Mr. Aquino and several DoH off icials.”

For his part, Mr. Aquino said at the press conference: “Yung kanina, na nagsabi ng plunder etc. na andaming sinabi. Parang napansin din ba ninyo, after nung charges na sinabi niya sa kumite na imbestigahin niyo ito. Kung baga aakusa ako ng isang tao, magsasampa ako ng kaso, may pruweba ako, doon mag- aakusa sila, pinapahanap kina Senator Gordon at miyembro ng kumite na kayo maghanap ng ebidenysa namin. Di kaya may mali doon?”

(Lately, there was someone who said many things including plunder, etc. Did you notice, after all the charges he mentioned, he told the committee to investigate us. If I were to accuse someone, I would file a case and I have proof. At the hearing, however, they made accusations against us and asked Senator Gordon and the committee members to find evidence for them. Don’t you see anything wrong with that?)

Mr. Aquino also said Mr. Topacio could be sued for his remarks.