Public Attorneys' Office (PAO) Chief Persida Rueda-Acosta is testifying in the hearing of the House of Representatives on Dengvaxia vaccine.
She reported that out of the 26 deaths of children linked to Dengvaxia, 18 occured during the time of Former Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Janette Garin.
3 deaths occured during the term of Health Secretary Francisco Duque.
Acosta told lawmakers PAO cannot collaborate with the DOH in the investigations because some parents of the kids who died want to file criminal and civil cases against former and current health officials.
Acosta said her office had filed one civil case, for the death of one of the 2 children whose bodies PAO's forensic experts have examined.
A second civil case is set to be filed this week.
She also reported a child in Cebu, who was immunized with Dengvaxia, had just died.
Acosta noted many doctors who are trying to stop or influence the outcome of PAO's probe have links to Zuellig Foundation.
This means, their credibility is under question because conflict of interest exists.
When a lawmaker clarified that Zuellig Foundation is separate from Zuellig pharmaceutical company, who distributed Dengvaxia, Acosta stressed, the two entities are connected with each other just like GMA television network is related to GMA Kapuso Foundation.
Acosta's quick and witty reply drew laughter from the people in the hearing.
