‘Senator hiding behind immunity’

MANILA, Philippines — Accused by Sen. Antonio Trillanes of cornering huge government contracts in Davao City for his family, Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher “Bong” Go said yesterday the former Navy officer was hiding behind parliamentary immunity to shield himself from counter-charges.

In an interview, Go said he wanted to be given a chance to grill Trillanes at a Senate inquiry reportedly being planned by the senator but added Senate rules do not allow it.

“As a Filipino citizen, I hope they would also allow me to ask him questions. After he’s done asking me questions, it would be my turn to ask him,” Go said in Filipino.

But Go said he knows this would not happen and that Trillanes was using this Senate rule to protect himself from counter-charges.

Still, Go said he is looking forward to having another face-off with the senator, saying it would give him a chance to clear his and his family’s name.

“I am very excited for another Senate face-off, part two with Mr. Trillanes po. Hinihintay ko po, kahit bukas na agad, ipatawag niyo na ako (I’m waiting. I’m ready even tomorrow. Summon me now),” Go said.

He said Trillanes’ accusations against CLTG Builders, which is owned by Go’s relatives, are baseless since he has never used his position to help it bag government projects.

“I observed propriety. I prohibited my relatives from entering Davao City Hall because it was under our supervision. In the national arena, we cannot stop them from doing business. What’s important is that there is no corruption. Second, I did not interfere. Third, I did not intervene, I did not call anyone, I never influenced anybody from DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways),” he pointed out.

At the same time, Go hinted that Trillanes himself and his family may have been involved in irregularities.

“Did Trillanes observe propriety when he was still a soldier and his father was a soldier as well? His mother was a supplier of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he said.

Go said that since he cannot directly question Trillanes in the Senate, he would leave the investigation to the proper authorities.

Meanwhile, presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. expressed belief that there is growing sentiment among members of the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association Inc. (PMAAAI) against Trillanes.