“Duterte’s admission of his and Bong Go’s involvement in the frigate scam is actually an admission to the crime of plunder,” former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV said in a statement. ADVERTISEMENTTrillanes, who was also a former Navy officer, was one of the critics of the controversial big-ticket project. Malacañang reportedly intervened in the selection of the CMS and in favor of the Korean supplier, prompting the Senate and House of Representatives to investigate into the matter. “Malacañang has unnecessarily influenced the procurement process against the wishes of the Navy leadership and in favor of the Korean contractor,” he said. To make this controversy as the reason for Go’s running is an insult to the sailors and marines in the Navy,” he added.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 23, 2019 06:00 UTC