Du30 to Go: Demand ‘transparent’ inquiry into frigates

President Rodrigo Duterte (right) is seen with Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go. Duterte urges his top aide to demand an “open and transparent” Senate investigation into the Philippine Navy’s P18-billion frigate acquisition project. MALACAÑANG PHOTO

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February 11, 2018
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President Rodrigo Duterte (right) is seen with Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go. Duterte urges his top aide to demand an “open and transparent” Senate investigation into the Philippine Navy’s P18-billion frigate acquisition project. MALACAÑANG PHOTO

MANILA – No less than President Rodrigo Duterte urged his top aide, Christopher “Bong” Go, to demand an “open and transparent” Senate investigation into the Philippine Navy’s P18-billion frigate acquisition project.

During the 7th Manila Times Business Forum at the Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City on Friday night, Duterte called on the special assistant to the president not to agree to the planned executive session in Senate.

Sabi ko,‘Iyan angwag mong gawin, Bong,’” said the President. “Demand an open and transparent public hearing. And demand how this came about.”

This will open to the public the details on the two suppliers for the combat management system of the warships, Duterte said.

Para makita and that it may be to their sorrow, lalabas talaga iyan diyan kung bakit nagku-compete silang dalawa,” he said.

Go has denied allegations that he influenced the selection of the CMS supplier. He said he would step down if it can be proven that he interfered.

The frigate acquisition project was already a “done deal” in 2016 during the Benigno Aquino III administration, Go stressed.

The acquisition of the frigates was entered into as early as June 2013 but the procurement was approved by then Defense secretary Voltaire Gazmin only on June 24, 2016.

The submission and opening of bids was done on March 17, 2016. On June 9, 2016, the winning bidder, Hyundai Heavy Industries of South Korea, was appointed with a bid prize of P15.74 million for two frigates.

Duterte disclosed that Defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana and relieved Vice Admiral Ronald Mercado argued over which company should supply the CMS.

Nag-away si Mercado pati si Lorenzana. Gusto ni Mercado … iyong original na Hyundai … palitan ng iba. Ayaw ni Lorenzana kasi matagal na [napag-desisyunan],” said the President. (PNA)
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