Trillanes files plunder raps vs. Duterte, Go over infra projects

Metro Manila, Philippines - Former Senator Sonny Trillanes filed multiple complaints against former President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Bong Go over P7 billion worth of government deals bagged by firms of the lawmaker’s kin.

Trillanes lodged plunder, graft, and violation of the Code of Conduct for Public Officials cases against Duterte and Go at the Office of the Ombudsman on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

The former senator said most of the over 200 projects, from 2008 up to the present, were located in Davao, where Duterte was the mayor and Go was his assistant.

Trillanes said Duterte and Go used their positions to award contracts to CLTG Builders and Alfrego Builders, companies owned by Go’s father and brother, respectively.

“Dapat doon sa sinasakupan mo, hindi sila pwedeng magnegosyo. Kunwari nung Davao mayor si Duterte, dapat nasa Visayas ‘yung pamilya niyang nagnenegosyo or nasa private sector,” Trillanes said in a chance interview.

[Translation: There should be no business in your jurisdiction. For instance, when Duterte was mayor, Go’s family businesses should be in Visayas or the private sector.]

The former lawmaker said Go is the main plunderer while Duterte is the principal.

“Ang pumipirma, ang nag-a-approve, itong si Duterte. Pero nasa likod niya, itong si Bong Go,” Trillanes said.

[Translation: Duterte signed and approved. But behind it is Bong Go.]

“Siya (Go) ‘yung [is the] central figure du’n sa tatay at kapatid tapos ‘yung kanyang [who links his father and brother and his] relationship with Duterte enabled this thing to happen,” he said.

Of the billions worth of projects, about ₱816 million were bagged through a joint venture between CLTG Builders and St. Gerrard Construction, a firm owned by the embattled contractor couple Sarah and Curlee Discaya.

Trillanes said he will give a copy of the complaint to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, which investigates anomalous government projects.

Clear conscience

Go denied the accusations and said he will cooperate in the investigation.

“Hindi ‘yan (Trillanes) titigil hanggat palitan ko siguro ang aking kamag-anak o kunin ng Panginoon ang aking kamag-anak,” the senator said, describing the filing as a “diversionary” tactic.

[Translation: He will not stop maybe until I replace my family or the Lord takes my family.]

“Hinding-hindi ako magbibigay ng pabor sa kanila,” Go added. “Malinis po ang aking konsensya mula noon hanggang ngayon. May delicadeza po ako.”

[Translation: I will not give them favors. My conscience has been clear ever since. I have honor.]

The senator said the main issue that should be resolved is flood control corruption.

Trillanes said he will give a copy of the complaint to the Independent Commission (ICI) for Infrastructure, which investigates anomalous government projects.

Go urged the ICI, the Ombudsman, and the Department of Public Works and Highways to “seek the truth” or else face the public uproar.