Bong Go denies sending controversial white paper on Navy frigate project

Special Assistant to the President Secretary Bong Go on Wednesday belied that he at least saw the controversial white paper that linked him to the Philippine Navy frigate project.

In a statement, Go maintained that he is not privy to the frigate transaction of the Department of National Defense. Go was accused of meddling in the selection of the Combat Management System supplier for the two Navy warships. 

"My name has been unfairly dragged in this issue. I  am not privy to the frigate transaction of the DND. I have never seen the controversial document (white paper) that is alleged to have come from me, much less, handed the same to SND Lorenzana," he said, referring to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

"In fact, I will resign if it can be proven that I intervened.  It should be emphasized that the frigate project was already a done deal in 2016 during the time of former Pres. Aquino," he added, echoing what presidential spokesperson Harry Roque earlier said.

In its report, Rappler said, "Go gave Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana a white paper endorsing a supplier that now stands to be selected to provide the critical Combat Management System (CMS) to be installed [on] the warships." 

The Philippine Daily Inquirer described the document it obtained as an unsigned two-page letter, which Go allegedly gave to Lorenzana.

It said that the letter "assailed the Navy’s preference for Tacticos CMS while it highlighted the advantages of choosing the Naval Shield Integrated Combat Management System (ICMS) of HTC of South Korea for the frigates."

Lorenzana in a text message denied that Go intervened in the frigate project.

Roque said that it would have been "futile" for Go to intervene since the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III declared the winning bidder. The current administration's role was merely ministerial, he said.

Because of the story, President Rodrigo Duterte called Rappler a "fake news outlet." He also said he would fire Go if the allegations are proven true. — RSJ, GMA News