Palace reiterates Bong Go did not intervene in P15.7-B frigate deal

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Sunday maintained that Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Secretary Bong Go did not intervene in the Philippine Navy's P15.7-billion frigate acquisition project.

Roque made the statement a day ahead of the Senate national defense and security's hearing on the frigate acquisition project, where Go and Defense officials are expected to attend.

Roque said in a radio interview that Go could not have taken part in frigate deal because the contract was signed during the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III.

"Ang ginawa ng administrasyon ni President Duterte, pinirmahan yung notice of award. Pero sang-ayon sa RA 9184, hindi naman pwedeng hindi mapirmahan 'yan dahil merong mga basehan para huwag mapirmahan ang notice of award na 'yan," he said.

"Itong kawalan ng pananagutan ni Bong Go ay hindi dahil merong nag-utos sa kanya na dapat mapanagot, kundi wala na talagang partisipasyon si SAP Bong Go o kahit sino man sa administrasyon na ito na baguhin pa 'yung isang proyekto na na-award na sa isang bidder nung nakalipas na administrasyon," he added.

Go allegedly intervened to select one of the project's subcontractors Hanhwa Systems to provide for the ships' Combat Management System (CMS).

Malacañang said that it had conducted an investigation and cleared Go.

Roque noted that the contract already includes the CMS and other parts for two warships for the Philippine Navy.

"Nung tayo ay nagpa-bid ng dalawang frigate, hindi lang barko 'yan. Kasama 'yung combat system, kasama yung communication, kasama yung navigation at integration. Hindi naman kasi pwedeng patsi-patsi mo bibilhin 'yan, responsibilidad ng winning bidder na mapagana ang lahat ng problema dahil ang kinakailangan natin ay isang frigate," he said.

"Wala na talagang aregluhan na pwedeng mangyari dahil lahat ng terms and conditions ay nakasaad doon sa bidding documents at hindi na pwedeng magbago yun," he added.

Roque assured the public that Go will attend the Senate hearing to tell nothing but the truth.

"Ang dadalhin ni SAP Bong Go doon ay katotohanan lamang. Isisiwalat niya ang lahat, wala kaming tinatago. Kung merong kapalpakan diyan, sigurado kami na hindi 'yan responsibilidad ng administrasyon ni Presidente Duterte," he said. —ALG, GMA News