Bong Go: I was dragged in frigate controversy to destroy Duterte

Facing a Senate probe on Monday, Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go proclaimed his “innocence” on alleged attempts to link him into the P15.7 billion frigates deal fiasco.

“Inosente at dinamay lang po ako sa isyung ito upang siraan ang administrayon ni Pangulong Duterte,” Go said during the hearing of the Senate committee on national defense.

He said he faced the probe to clear his name and “ultimately” get to the bottom of the frigates controversy.

“Sa totoo lang po, sobrang hirap sagutin ang mga bintang na wala ka namang kinalaman,” Go said, reading from a prepared statement.

“I did not intervene in the acquisition of the two frigates by the DND (Department of National Defense) nor interfere in the selection of its combat management system. That being said, I have no reason to cower and hide behind an executive session. I’m ready and willing to face all these accusations in a public hearing,” he said.

Go lamented what he described as “irresponsible” reporting by Rappler and Inquirer.

Noting that the issue was brought about by an “irresponsible” reporting, Go then requested the Senate to continue its probe on fake news and invite Rappler and Inquirer to explain their reports.

“Hindi lang po ako ang bitkima dito. Marami po tayo,” he said.

Go also pointed out that the deal was already completed even during the time of the Aquino administration.

“Walang nabago. Walang binago. Walang nakialam. At walang pinakiaalaman sa kontrata. Pangit mang pakinggan, pero matataag po ito n a photo finished ang kontrata dahil hinabol po ito bago matapos ang Aquino administration,” he added. /cbb

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