Several members of President Rodrigo Duterte’s Cabinet were set to appear before the Senate investigation on the Philippine Navy’s now-controversial frigates deal on Monday to express their support to the administration, Malacañang said Sunday. Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre, and another member of the Cabinet would be attending the Senate committee on national defense and security’s hearing on the Navy’s purchase of the P15.5-billion Combat Management System (CMS) for the frigates, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said. Roque said on Friday that he and Secretary Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, special assistant to the president, would appear before the Senate panel. Go was accused of meddling with the Navy’s purchase of the P15.5-billion Combat Management System (CMS) for the frigates. Top defense and military officials, including Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, were also slated to take part in the probe.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer February 18, 2018 08:51 UTC