Hontiveros slams release of draft Senate panel report on Dengvaxia mess

Senator Risa Hontiveros reiterated Friday her stand that French drug manufacturer Sanofi-Pasteur is liable for the trouble now facing the families of children inoculated with Dengaxia.

The senator, however, refused to comment on the content of the draft report of the Blue Ribbon committee, of which she is a member, even as she questioned its release.

"I reiterate my position that Sanofi should be called to task for releasing a product in the market without clearly defining its limitations and possible adverse reactions," Hontiveros said in a text message to GMA News Online.

She added that the company should compensate the families of those affected by the product. 

She said she was surprised that the contents of the unnumbered and unsigned Blue Ribbon committee report on the Dengvaxia resolution were already released to the public even before copies were given to the members of the committee.

"Ganyan na ba ngayon sa Senate Blue Ribbon Committee?" she asked.

She said the release of the draft report only gave weight to speculations that the Senate investigation has become political.

"Nakakalungkot at lalo tuloy bumibigat ang obserbasyon ng marami na nagiging politikal na ang imbestigasyong ito," she said.

The senator said she will give her comment on the report when it is released to and read by the committee members.

"I reserve my opinion on the accused individuals pending the release of the copies of the said report to the members of the committee," she said.

On Wednesday, Blue Ribbon chairman Senator Richard Gordon, presenting the draft report, said President Benigno Aquino III, former Health secretary Janette Garin, former  Budget secretary Florencio Abad, and other officials are primary conspirators and must be held criminally liable and must be prosecuted for all the tragedy, damage, and possible deaths resulting from the Dengvaxia mass vaccination program.

He added Aquino, Garin, Abad and other government officials should be investigated and prosecuted for graft and violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. — MDM, GMA News