Mom files raps over doctor son’s death due to Dengvaxia

In her complaint, Norma Gotoc said her son succumbed to multiple-organ failure, multiple-organ hemorrhage and Neurotropic-Like Disease (NLD) and Viscerotropic-like Disease (VLD). (File Photo: Kendrick Gotoc/Facebook)

MANILA — A new complaint was filed on Thursday before the Department of Justice (DOJ) in connection with a death attributed to the Dengvaxia anti-dengue vaccine.

A criminal complaint for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and violations of the Anti-Torture Act and Consumer Act was filed for the death of Kendric Gotoc, a 39-year-old medical doctor who died last year after being administered doses of the vaccine.

Before the latest case, the complainants usually consisted of parents and guardians of schoolchildren who died following complications arising from the Dengvaxia treatment.

In her complaint, Norma Gotoc said her son succumbed to multiple-organ failure, multiple-organ hemorrhage and Neurotropic-Like Disease (NLD) and Viscerotropic-like Disease (VLD).

“All respondents arbitrarily, maliciously, and deliberately failed to inform the Dengvaxia recipients and their parents/families of the dangers and risks related to Dengvaxia and did not obtain their informed consent,” read the complaint.

Named as respondents were former Health secretary Janette Garin and other health officials who were accused of criminal liability since they “did not conduct proper screening of Dengvaxia recipients and other relevant tests to determine whether the children may be inoculated with Dengvaxia.”

This is the 31st case on the Dengvaxia controversy filed before the DOJ.

Three preliminary investigations are pending before the DOJ involving the deaths mostly involving school children and one police officer.