Former Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV has filed a plunder case against former President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go with the Department of Justice on Friday. The complaint alleged that both Duterte and Go facilitated corrupt practices specifically the awarding of more than a hundred government contracts to companies owned by Bong Go’s father and brother worth at least PHP 6.6 billion.
According to Trillanes, “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.”
The complaint highlights several key points: From 2007 to 2018, CLTG Builders, which is owned by Bong Go’s father, Deciderio Go, was awarded a total of 125 government contracts worth around PHP 4.9 billion; Alfrego Builders, which is owned by Bong Go’s brother, Alfredo Go, bagged a total of 59 government projects worth PHP 1.74 billion; Both companies also lacked the required contrator’s license to undertake such large-scale projects, with many contracts exceeding their allowable project cost limits.
Trillanes charged Duterte and Go with violations of multiple laws, including Republic Act No. 7080 (The Anti-Plunder Act), Republic Act No. 3019 (The Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), and Republic Act No. 6713 (The Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees).
“During Duterte’s time, he and his cohorts used their power and influence to plunder government coffers. Now is the perfect time to make them accountable. This is just the beginning, there are more cases to file against them,” Trilanes added.
