Former President Benigno Aquino III is ready to face all charges against him over the controversial dengue vaccine that put thousands of children’s lives at risk, his camp said.
Aquino’s spokesperson, Abigail Valte, said that the consistent participation of the ex-president in legislative investigations and other venues proves that he will not turn his back on this fiasco.
“Former President Aquino has always demonstrated his readiness to answer questions about his decisions as President,” Valte said.
Aquino’s statement came after Blue Ribbon Committee Chair Senator Richard Gordon submitted a draft report which recommended the filing of charges against Aquino and two of his Cabinet officials, former budget secretary Florencio Abad and ex-health secretary Janette Garin.
Gordon also said that the biggest mistake Aquino ever did was that he “simply did not care”. The senator also stated in the report that Aquino’s meeting with Sanofi officials was against Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, thus “sending a strong message or perception that he was dispensing undue patronage.”
(DAILY NEWS ROUND UP FOR 04/ 12/18)