Bong Go: If someone uses my name or Duterte’s, consider the request denied

MANILA, Philippines — Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go on Monday maintained that he did not have a hand in the acquisition of two frigates for the Philippine Navy nor in the selection of its combat management system. 

 

During the Senate inquiry into the alleged irregularities involving the 15.7-billion procurement of Navy frigates, Duterte’s longtime aide said that projects and requests that name drop him or the president should be “considered denied.”

 

Go also reminded the public to be wary of people or groups using their names. 

 

 

Unfazed Go, who appeared in the Senate hearing backed by several Cabinet officials, maintained that the truth is on his side. 

 

“I speak before this committee primarily for the purpose of clearing my name and ultimately for the purpose of getting to the bottom of this frigate controversy so that the Filipino people may know the whole truth,” he said. 

 

Go added: “Sa totoo lang po sobrang hirap sagutin ang mga bintang na wala kang kinalaman.”

 

The presidential aide has repeatedly denied that he meddled in the procurement of the weapons system.

 

Sacked Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado has once again absolved Go from the issue. 

Go, who said the project was already a done deal during the administration of former president Benigno Aquino III, claimed that he was dragged into the frigate controversy to destroy Duterte. 

 

“Perhaps, this is really the intention to block the implementation of this important security program and ensure this administration will fail. But we will not allow them to win because the truth is on our side,” he said. 

 

 

The presidential aide also hit news outlets Rappler and Inquirer for their supposed “irresponsible reporting.”

 

“Ang pinag-usapan ngayon ay naging isyu lang nang maglabas ang Rappler at Inquirer ng 'fake news' at sinabing ako po ay nakialam,” Go said, noting that both news agencies should explain their reports in the Senate hearing into the proliferation of fake news. 

 

Duterte earlier defended Go, saying his aide is a billionaire and does not need to profit from the deal.