Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Friday filed a P6.6- billion plunder case against former President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Christopher Lawrence Go over various infrastructure projects allegedly awarded to the senator’s father and brother.

Trillanes charged Duterte and Go before the Department of Justice (DOJ) with violations of multiple laws, including Republic Act (RA) 7080 (Anti-Plunder Act), RA 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), and RA 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees).

The complaint alleged that both Duterte and Go facilitated corrupt practices, specifically the awarding of more than a hundred government contracts to companies owned by Go’s father, Deciderio Go, and brother Alfredo, when Duterte was Davao City Mayor.

“All the elements of plunder are clearly present in this case. Mr. Bong Go, in conspiracy with Mr. Duterte, used his position, authority and influence to corner billions worth of government projects in favor of his father and brother, thus unduly enriching himself and the members of his immediate family,” according to Trillanes.

“The evidence presented in the complaint is compelling and warrants a plunder charge,” the complaint added.

It noted that from 2007 to 2018, CLTG Builders, owned by the senator’s father, was awarded a total of 125 government contracts worth around P4.9 billion. Alfrego Builders, which was owned by the senator’s brother, reportedly bagged a total of 59 government projects worth P1.74 billion.

“Both companies also lacked the required contractor’s license to undertake such large-scale projects, with many contracts exceeding their allowable project cost limits,” the complaint further stated.

Trillanes warned that this is just the beginning because he will file more cases against them. “Now is the perfect time to make them accountable,” he said.

“During Duterte’s time, he and his cohorts used their power and influence to plunder government coffers,” the former senator emphasized.

With the filing of charges, Trillanes said he intends to expose Duterte and Go’s alleged corruption and hold them accountable. He would like to make the public aware of these anomalies.

The former senator said Duterte and Go were protected and shielded from public scrutiny during the previous administration. “Hopefully, this exposé and case will change the public’s perception,” he said.

Trillanes said there is no reason for the Marcos government to favor the Dutertes and his allies, so we believe this is the proper time to file these cases.

Editor’s Note: The Manila Standard has reached out to Go for comment and will update this story as soon as the information becomes available.