AMID the Senate investigation into the controversial P15.7-billion frigate deal, Malacañang on Monday, February 19, stood by Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher "Bong" Go, saying that he will not do anything against the will of President Rodrigo Duterte.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. attested to Go's integrity. He said Go would not taint his reputation as the latter is "fearful" of Duterte, who has repeatedly vowed to get rid of erring public officials involved even in just a whiff of corruption.
"I know SAP Go as a person of integrity. His main wish is to serve the President and this country," the presidential spokespesman told Palace reporters.
"In the few months, I have worked with him very closely. What I do note is that he is absolutely loyal to this President and is also fearful of this President so he will not try anything [that might pique Duterte]," he added.
Roque reiterated that Go did not intervene in the acquisition of the two frigates' Combat Management System (CMS).
Go faced the Senate national defense and security committee, which is conducting an inquiry into the selection of the warships' combat system supplier.
The investigation stemmed from appeals of several senators to investigate the warship deal "to determine whether or not such acquisition promotes the goals of the modernization program and complies with pertinent laws."
In January, Go allegedly endorsed Hyundai Heavy Industries of South Korea as supplier of the CMS for the two frigates.
Go, however, maintained his innocence during the Senate hearing.
Roque came to Go's defense and stressed that Duterte's special aide has no interest to meddle in any government projects.
"Financially, he is very comfortable coming from a very wealthy background himself. He has no desire to amass material wealth," he said. (Ruth Abbey Gita/SunStar Philippines)