Trillanes files plunder raps vs. ex-Pres. Duterte, Senator Bong Go

PLUNDER CHARGES. Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV files a plunder complaint against former president Rodrigo Duterte and his former presidential aide, now Senator Bong Go, before the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Manila on Friday (July 5, 2024). The complaint stems from allegations of irregularities in government contracts awarded to companies owned by Go’s father and brother between 2007 and 2018, with an estimated total value of PHP6.6 billion. (PNA photo by Yancy Lim)

By Benjamin Pulta, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Friday filed plunder complaints against former President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go before the Department of Justice (DOJ) in connection with the alleged anomalous award of 184 government contracts worth more than PHP6 billion.

In a 30-page complaint, Trillanes alleged that Duterte and Go facilitated corrupt practices in the awarding of contracts to companies owned by Go’s father and brother.

He said from 2007 to 2018, CLTG Builders, which is owned by the senator’s father, Deciderio, was awarded 125 government contracts worth around PHP4.9 billion; while Alfrego Builders, owned by the solon’s brother, Alfredo, bagged 59 government projects worth PHP1.74 billion.

Trillaned claimed both companies lacked the required contractors’ license to undertake such large-scale projects, with many contracts exceeding their allowable project cost limits.

“All the elements of plunder are clearly present in this case. Mr. Bong Go, in conspiracy with Mr. Duterte, used his position, authority and influence to corner billions worth of government projects in favor of his father and brother, thus unduly enriching himself and the members of his immediate family. The evidence presented in the complaint is compelling and warrants a plunder charge,” he said.

Besides violating Republic Act (RA) No. 7080 (The Anti-Plunder Act), Duterte and Go were also accused of allegedly violating RA 3019 (The Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), and RA 6713 (The Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees).