Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV has challenged Senator Bong Go to file a case against him if the latter truly knows any “dirt” or wrongdoing on his part.
In a TV interview on Wednesday, October 22, Trillanes recalled the long-standing animosity between him and former President Rodrigo Duterte—as well as Go—during Duterte’s six-year administration.
“Anim na taong naging Presidente si Duterte. Gigil na gigil sila sa akin. Hinimay nila lahat ng puwedeng himayin [tungkol sa akin], wala po silang nakita—wala nga silang na-file na kaso,” Trillanes began.
He went on to challenge Go directly, saying: “Siya ‘yong senador ngayon [si Bong Go], kung mayroon kang alam na ginawa kong mali, kasuhan mo rin ako.”
Trillanes added that Go’s statements were merely a “diversionary tactic.”
According to the former senator, the corruption complaint he filed against Duterte, Go, and the latter’s father and brother was based on their alleged involvement in questionable government projects.
“Bakit sila ‘yong ni-file-lan ko? Kasi precisely, sila ‘yong contractor. Si Bong Go, sa mukha no’ng tatay niya, CLTG nga ‘yong pangalan ng kompanya ng tatay niya, siya ‘yon—tapos ‘yong kapatid niya,” Trillanes explained.
He further alleged that the supposed scheme dates back to 2007 in Davao City and expanded nationally when Duterte became president.
“Sila ang mga original nito. Nagsimula sila [sa] Davao [noong] 2007, ganoon ‘yong modus. Tapos no’ng naging presidente na siya [FPRRD], siya ang nagtalaga dito kay Usec. Bernardo na nasa gitna ngayon nitong buong sindikato na ‘to[…]” he said.
“Tapos itong si Discaya, siya rin ang nagpalaki. Batay mismo sa statement ni Mayor Vico Sotto, ang nasa likod ni Discaya [ay] si Bong Go,” he added, emphasizing, “Siya ang mastermind kaya talagang siya ang dapat unang makasuhan dito.”
Trillanes filed his complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman on Tuesday, October 21, accusing Duterte, Go, and Go’s family of alleged corruption involving multi-billion peso infrastructure projects.
Reports indicate that Trillanes’ complaint centers on the ₱7-billion worth of projects awarded to CLTG Builders and Alfrego Builders, owned by Go’s father and brother.
He also claimed that Go’s close relationship with Duterte paved the way for these construction firms to secure the lucrative government contracts.