# nationataglance
Sanofi stands firm on refusal to refund used dengue vaccine
FRENCH PHARMACEUTICAL firm Sanofi Pasteur, manufacturer of the controversial Dengvaxia vaccine, again declined on Monday the request of the Department of Health (DoH) to refund the amount for the used anti-dengue serum. “We stand firmly behind our product. Refunding the used doses of Dengvaxia would imply that the vaccine is ineffective, which is not the case. And at this time, there is also no known circumstance requiring indemnification,” Sanofi Pasteur said in a statement. — Minde Nyl R. dela Cruz >> See full story on https://goo.gl/xGHH7u
Transport group leader to face new charges over strikes
THE GOVERNMENT will file a new case against transport group leader George San Mateo for organizing and holding transport strikes last year. “A criminal case will be filed against George San Mateo this week for violation of Section 20 of Commonwealth Act 146,” Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Board Member Aileen A. Lizada told reporters in a message. She was referring to the Public Service Act. She said the charges would be for strikes held in June and October 2017 against the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program. Mr. San Mateo, president of PISTON, again led a strike yesterday against the government’s removal of dilapidated jeepneys from the streets as part of the program. He was arrested in December for leading a transport strike in February last year. Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation (DoTr) said that a number of transport groups have pledged to deliver 3,000 modern jeepneys within the next three months. The agency signed an agreement with transport groups on Feb. 15. DoTr said a private supplier has committed to deliver 20,000 new PUVs per year, while another pledged to help operators in the processing of financing requirements and rollout of modern PUVs. — Patrizia Paola C. Marcelo
NFA denies collusion with rice cartel
THE NATIONAL Food Authority (NFA) on Monday denied the accusations of some solons that the agency colluded with a rice cartel, causing a shortage in NFA’s buffer stock. NFA Administrator Jason Laureano Y. Aquino said in a statement that they are open to any audit or inquiry to clear NFA of any allegations. — Anna Gabriela A. Mogato >> See full story on https://goo.gl/LNLT4v