DoH says Dengvaxia ban stays, but Sanofi can reapply for new registration
THE DEPARTMENT of Health (DoH) on Thursday reiterated its position supporting the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) revocation of the certificate of product registration (CPR) for the Dengvaxia vaccine amid calls to lift the ban. In a statement, DoH said it stands by the December 2018 FDA order for Sanofi Pasteur, Inc. to surrender the original CPRs for Dengvaxia MD and Dengvaxia. Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said their decision is based on Sanofi’s noncompliance with post-marketing document submissions, and not a question of the vaccine’s efficacy. “The Department of Health is committed to strong and strict implementation of our health laws and regulations. We know how critical this is to our efforts to rebuild public trust and confidence in our public health programs and in vaccines that have long been proven effective,” he said. The DoH said they have already notified Sanofi officials that the company can reapply for a new CPR, “faithfully complying with all relevant laws, rules, and regulations.” — Gillian M. Cortez
Witnesses point to KAPA members behind Kidapawan journalist’s murder
THE PRESIDENTIAL Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) on Thursday presented two main witnesses against at least 10 members of the Kapa-Community Ministry International Inc. (KAPA), who are allegedly behind the killing of Brigada News anchor Eduardo Dizon of Kidapawan City. One of the two witnesses, according to PTFoMS Executive Director Joel Sy Egco, is among the suspects. “We have two witnesses with us: Renato Sardoncillo and Hilario Lape, Jr., who acted as the spotter during the actual shooting. The suspects, based on our witnesses’ affidavits are KAPA members who are also media people themselves,” Communications Secretary Martin M. Andanar said. “The reason why they are here is to assure them of government protection as they are being subjected to intimidation or other forms of threat by the suspects who, based on our information, are influential people in their province,” he added. Madona Dizon, wife of the victim, said the testimonies of the witnesses strengthen her family’s case against KAPA members. Ms. Dizon said before her husband’s murder, they were already receiving threats from the group. KAPA, whose license has been revoked by the Securities and Exchange Commission, is under investigation and several of its officers are facing charges for operating an alleged investment scam. — Arjay L. Balinbin
