Noynoy Aquino on Dengvaxia inquiry: We want to tell the truth

Former President Benigno Aquino III has indicated that he would attend the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee's inquiry on the questioned P3.5-billion purchase of dengue vaccines during his administration.

Aquino received the committee invitation at 4:10 p.m. on Tuesday.

"We want to participate in telling the truth to the people, as we have always done; at the same time, observing compliance to various laws, rules and traditions," Aquino told GMA News.

According to a report by Super Radyo dzBB's Nimfa Ravelo, invitations from the committee have also been served to Aquino's former Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. and his former Budget Secretary Florencio Abad.

Senator Richard Gordon, the committee chairman, earlier said that the purchase of the Dengvaxia vaccines in 2016 may be a result of the possible “conspiracy” between Aquino and members of his Cabinet.

"Sad to say...from the beginning, lahat ng involved...even si [former Health secretary] Pauline Ubial baka masabit siya kung hindi siya magsasalita. Tumuloy pa rin sa kanya eh," Gordon said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB when asked who should be held accountable for the program.

The senator cited the names of former Health Secretary Janette Garin, Abad and Ochoa.

"Pagkatapos, itaas mo kay Secretary Garin, pagkatapos itaas mo pa sa DBM (Department of Budget and Management), itaas mo pa sa Presidente, lahat may kaugnayan, parang may conspiracy, very very clear dahil ang bilis bilis ng takbo," Gordon said.

Earlier, Aquino said he was preparing to appear before the Senate committee.

"We have not received the invitation but are preparing in case they send one," Aquino said in a text message to reporters.

During Monday’s hearing, an official from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said the Office of the President, through Ochoa, authorized the realignment of funds for various health projects, including the Dengvaxia program.

Garin has refuted claims that the Dengvaxia purchase was a midnight deal.

“Everything was above board,” she said.

In December 2015, the Philippines was the first Asian country to approve the sale of the world’s first dengue vaccine Dengvaxia. The dengue vaccination program began in April 2016 under Garin.

The DOH said at least 830,000 public school students have been vaccinated with Dengvaxia in Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Metro Manila, and Cebu. —NB, GMA News