Trillanes wants Aguirre, Esperon to face Atong Ang’s allegations in Senate probe

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV has filed a resolution calling for a Blue Ribbon committee hearing on the allegations of gambling operator Charlie “Atong” Ang against Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr.

Trillanes filed Senate Resolution No. 354 with the end in view of “ensuring that public officials use the resources and power of their respective offices for public interest.”

The senator, known to be a staunch critic of the Duterte administration, said Aguirre and Esperon “should refrain from doing acts to advance their personal financial interests.”

Trillanes specifically wants the Blue Ribbon committee to probe the allegations of Ang that both Aguirre and Esperon have plotted to have him killed.

Ang earlier said he received the threats because of the continued operation of virtual jai-alai numbers game through Meridien Vista Gaming Corporation, where he serves as consultant and general manager.

Ang claimed that the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office wants Meridien's operations stopped because of conflicts with small-town lottery (STL). He further alleged that Aguirre and his engineer sibling Ogie Aguirre controlled STL operations from Batangas to Bicol.

A separate newspaper report said Ang also linked Esperon and some members of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1982 to the alleged kill plot.

Trillanes said that if the kill plot is true, both Aguirre and Esperon may be held liable in violation of the Revised Penal Code, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, and the 1987 Constitution.

Aguirre earlier dismissed Ang’s allegations as “complete fabrications,” and has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to look into Ang’s allegations.

Trillanes also wants Aguirre to explain his alleged link to Kim Wong, who was involved in the $81 million Bangladesh Bank Heist in February 2016. 

“If said accusation is true, this could validate Secretary Aguirre’s alleged involvement in the extortion and bribery controversy involving the Bureau of Immigration and Jack Lam,” Trillanes said.

Aguirre denied Ang’s allegations, saying Wong was never his “kumpare” nor a “ninong” to any of his children.

"I have no hand in the resolution of Bangladesh case. Atong Ang is a liar," Aguirre added. — RSJ, GMA News