National

Former Senator Trillanes Files 2nd Plunder Case Against FPRRD and Sen. Go Over Frigate Deal

Published

9 months ago

August 8, 2024

Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV shows a copy of his plunder complaint files. Photo by Inquirer.net

MANILA — Former President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Bong Go are facing a second plunder complaint filed by former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV. This new complaint, submitted to the Department of Justice, is connected to the P16-billion Philippine Navy Frigate Acquisition Project (FAP) from 2016.

Trillanes, who is running for mayor of Caloocan City, also accused Duterte and Go of graft, culpable violation of the Constitution, and betrayal of public trust. Additional individuals named in the complaint include former defense undersecretary Raymundo Elefante, former budget undersecretary Lloyd Christopher Lao, retired Navy Admiral Robert Empedrad, former Department of National Defense acquisition chief Leodegario Dela Paz, FAP legal officer Marlon Dayao, and Hyundai Heavy Industries officers Kisun Chung, Ki Young Sung, Joung Woo Byun, and Sandra Han.

Allegations of Intervention and Ill-Gotten Wealth

Trillanes alleges that Duterte and Go intervened in the selection of the Combat Management System (CMS) for the frigates, favoring Hyundai Heavy Industries against the recommendations of the FAP Project Management Team and the Philippine Navy. This intervention supposedly led to the selection of a CMS by South Korean firm Hanhwa, against the objections of the Navy.

The complaint claims that this intervention resulted in significant financial gains for the respondents, with at least P50 million of ill-gotten wealth, meeting the threshold for plunder. Trillanes highlighted a P700 million price difference in the CMS deal for the BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Antonio Luna from the original P16 billion budget.

Political Implications and Responses

Trillanes argues that the current political environment is more conducive to pursuing these cases, implying that they would have been dismissed during Duterte’s presidency. He is calling for a preliminary investigation and subsequent court action by the DOJ.

Senator Bong Go has dismissed the accusations as “rehashed” and “black propaganda” aimed at influencing upcoming elections. He noted that a previous Senate investigation found no anomalies in the frigate deal and that Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana had cleared him of any wrongdoing.

“This issue has once again been rehashed and recycled for obvious politicking purposes. This is a clear case of destructive politics and a sure sign of desperation out to malign me and the former President. Nevertheless, I welcome these moves to finally put an end to these lies,” Go stated.

Source: ABS-CBN News, Inquirer.net

Related Topics:National News Politics Trillanes

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National

Why We Should Vote for Rodante Marcoleta

Published

3 days ago

May 1, 2025

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Rodante Marcoleta Campaign Photo

In a time when strong, principled leadership is more important than ever, Atty. Rodante Marcoleta emerges as a compelling choice for the Senate.

A seasoned lawmaker with a PhD in Public Administration, Marcoleta hails from Tarlac, Luzon and proudly represents the Kapampangan community. His background in law and governance has made him one of the most articulate and fearless voices in Congress.

He is best known as the principal author of the “Magna Carta of the Poor” (RA 11291)—a landmark legislation aimed at ensuring the rights and dignity of the underprivileged. Unfortunately, the current administration has failed to implement this vital law, but Marcoleta remains committed to championing the welfare of the marginalized.

During his tenure in the House of Representatives, Marcoleta gained a reputation for standing his ground on critical national issues. His firm stance led to the removal of five of his committee positions in the 19th Congress, but he did not waver. One of the key issues he raised was the excessive cost of electricity in the country—a concern that continues to burden millions of Filipino households. Despite being repeatedly ignored in the House, he never stopped fighting for what he believed was right.

Marcoleta’s unwavering commitment to public service draw comparisons to the late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, known for her fearless interrogation and mastery of debate. Electing Marcoleta to the Senate means reviving that same level of scrutiny, reason, and passion in the legislative process.

At a time when Filipinos are demanding real solutions and real action, Rodante Marcoleta is the kind of leader we need—principled, experienced, and unafraid to speak truth to power.

Let us give our support to someone who will fight for the people.

Let us bring Rodante Marcoleta to the Senate.

National

President Bongbong Marcos Turns Over 91 Ambulances to Northern Mindanao and BARMM

Published

1 week ago

April 23, 2025

Filman

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. led the ceremonial turnover of 91 modern ambulances to the Northern Mindanao Region and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) yesterday, held at the Pelaez Sports Center in Cagayan de Oro City.

Of the total units, 85 were distributed to various municipalities and cities across Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, and Lanao del Sur. The remaining six units were allocated to the BARMM.

The turnover is part of a PHP 2.2 billion government initiative to acquire 1,000 ambulances for nationwide distribution, aimed at enhancing the emergency and disaster response capabilities of Local Government Units (LGUs).

These state-of-the-art Patient Transport Vehicles were provided through the Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program (MTVDP) of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

Each ambulance is equipped with a stretcher, oxygen tank, and blood pressure monitor to ensure the safe and efficient transport of patients during emergencies.

National

Magnitude 6.3 Earthquake Jolts Parts of Mindanao

Published

1 week ago

April 23, 2025

News Team

Several areas in Mindanao were rocked by a magnitude 6.3 earthquake on Tuesday night, causing panic among residents and prompting precautionary safety checks across affected communities.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the earthquake struck at around 10:00 p.m., with the epicenter located near the province of Davao del Sur. The tremor was tectonic in origin and had a depth of focus of 15 kilometers.

Strong shaking was felt in various parts of Mindanao, including Davao City, General Santos, Cotabato, and nearby provinces. In some areas, the quake lasted several seconds and caused items to fall from shelves and power outages to occur briefly.

There were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties, but local disaster response units were quickly mobilized to assess the situation and ensure the safety of residents. Authorities have advised the public to remain vigilant as aftershocks are expected.

Phivolcs reminded residents in quake-prone areas to review emergency preparedness plans and stay updated through official channels for any developments.

The earthquake serves as a reminder of the country’s vulnerability to seismic activity, as the Philippines lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where numerous earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur each year.

Source: PHIVOLCS