Duterte and Bong Go Face Plunder and Graft Charges from Trillanes
ANTONIO TRILLANES IV – The former senator filed complaints for plunder and graft at the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday against former President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Bong Go. The accusations concern allegedly corrupt infrastructure projects worth P6.6 billion during Duterte’s presidency. Trillanes also accused Go’s father, Deciderio, and half-brother, Alfredo, who allegedly benefited as contractors for projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Alongside financial allegations, Trillanes lodged a complaint citing violations of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees against Duterte and Go. According to documents from the Commission on Audit cited in the complaint, Deciderio’s company, CTLG Builders, obtained 125 projects from 2007 to 2018 totaling P4.89 billion, while Alfredo’s Alfrego Builders and Supply secured 59 projects worth P1.74 billion during the same period. He argued that these companies were not qualified under the Contractor’s License Law to bid for such large projects.
Trillanes stressed in the complaint that all elements of plunder were evident in the case, stating, “Clearly enough, there is a concurrence of all the elements of plunder in this case.” When asked about the alleged amount received by the accused from the contracts, He pointed to the direct family connections and questioned the legitimacy of these financial dealings.
Highlighting the close personal and official relationship between Duterte and Go, Trillanes noted, “The very close and intimate personal and official relationship between Respondent Go and Respondent Duterte, whom he fondly call as ‘Tatay Digong’, is widely and publicly known and universally acknowledged.”
Trillanes requested the National Prosecution Service of the DOJ to conduct a preliminary investigation and pursue legal action based on the information provided. Trillanes, known for his outspoken criticism of Duterte’s policies, including the controversial war on drugs, has previously raised these issues in international forums such as the International Criminal Court (ICC).
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