Trillanes seeks probe into Bong Go kin's DPWH projects
MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV on Wednesday filed a resolution directing the Senate civil service committee to look into a possible conflict of interest in government contracts awarded to firms owned by relatives of presidential aide Christopher "Bong" Go.
In Senate Resolution 889, the senator cited a Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism report saying most of the Department of Public Works and Highways' funds last year went to projects in the Davao region.
The report also indicated that top contractors of the region are CLTG Builders and Alfrego Builders and Supplies, firms reportedly owned by Go's father and stepbrother.
"Whereas, CLTG Builders caught the attention of PCIJ's research beacuse it failed to complete all of its joint-venture projects within the original deadline. CLTG also has a B license which means that it could not carry out a big-ticket project without having a partner," the Trillanes resolution, quoting the PCIJ report, read.
Trillanes also noted that CLTG are the initials of Duterte's top aide — Christopher Lawrence Tesoro Go.
Go welcomes Senate probe
The senator stressed the urgency of looking into the matter as there might be a conflict of interest among government officials in the conduct of government transactions.
Citing Article VII, Section 13 of the 1987 Constitution, Trillanes pointed out that Cabinet members shall not hold any other office during their tenure.
"They shall not, during said tenure, directly or indirectly, practice any other profession, participate in any business, or be financially interested in any contract with, or in any franchise, or special privilege granted by the Government or any subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof, including government-owned or controlled corporations or their subsidiaries," the Constitution read.
Go, on the other hand, earlier said he would resign if the allegations were proven to be true but also challenged Trillanes to resign of his claims are found to be false.
The PCIJ report notes: "All three CLTG officers... invariably stressed that Bong Go had nothing to do with the company’s luck in winning projects."
Public Works Secretary Mark Villar also told PCIJ that "he has not received any calls from Go asking for any favors for any project."
In a radio interview earlier this week, Go called Trillanes a coward and welcomed any investigation into alleged billions of pesos worth of projects reportedly awarded to his family.
“I welcome any and all investigation or Senate inquiry that Trillanes will call in relation to my family’s alleged involvement in billions of pesos worth of projects. I am even asking Trillanes to start as soon as possible,” Go said in a statement.
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