Chief fiscal denies PAO's claim he prejudged Dengvaxia case
MANILA, Philippines — Acting Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon denied allegations that he “prejudged” the Dengvaxia case filed earlier this year before a local court.
The third batch of complainants in cases related to the Dengvaxia vaccine, through the Public Attorney’s Office, moved on Thursday for the inhibition of Fadullon from their complaint that is currently under preliminary investigation.
They cited in particular the state prosecutors’ filing of amended Information (charge sheet) where only one count of reckless imprudence resulting to homicide was filed over the deaths of two victims.
RELATED: DOJ indicts Garin, several others over Dengvaxia
They claimed that the prosecutors handling the case moved to amend the charge to make it one count from two counts, instead of submitting evidence.
The Amended Information was approved by Fadullon.
“This actuation of the latter...has nurtured on the complainants great discontent and gloominess in their pursuit of justice for the deaths of their children and are apprehensive that the same fate of [victims] may befell on the cases they filed for the deaths of their children,” the motion for inhibition filed before the National Prosecution read.
Reports also said that the it was insinuated in a press conference earlier Thursday that there was bribery involved.
But Fadullon said that there is “no truth” to the “absurd and incredible” allegations thrown at him as he never interacted with any of the parties in the Dengvaxia cases.
No contact with respondents
He said that while he, on occasion, subscribed to the complaints for the private complainants at the request of the PAO, he has never talked to any of the respondents.
“While I commiserate with the victims for their loss, they should exercise caution and prudence before making baseless accusations,” he said.
The acting prosecutor general said that PAO should “come forward with their evidence.”
“I challenge the complainants and the PAO to substantiate their accusations, as I reserve the right to file charges against them if these frivolous charges prove untrue,” he added. — Kristine Joy Patag
- Latest
- Trending
