By Genalyn Kabiling
President Duterte continued to trade barbs with Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, this time accusing him of conflict of interest in government as well as lavish lifestyle.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
The President has alleged that Trillanes' mother has entered into business deals with the Philippine Navy when the senator and his father were still in the service.
"And ang problema kay Trillanes is that he is crucifying Bong Go for entering into business with government," Duterte said over government television Tuesday.
"There was a time in the Navy’s history... ang tatay niya nasa serbisyo pa. Ang --- siya nasa serbisyo na, sundalo na siya. Ang nata --- ang transaction ‘yung karamihang supply sa Navy, ang nanay niya ,” he said.
"Kung ayaw niyong maniwala, tanungin niyo ‘yung Navy ," he added.
Duterte issued the remarks after Trillanes called for a Senate inquiry into the alleged public works projects cornered by Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go's family in Davao. The unfinished projects were allegedly linked to the companies of Go's father and half-brother.
In the same television interview, the President dropped hints about Trillanes' alleged huge wealth while discussing the alleged corrupt men in uniform.
"Ang una talaga is the lifestyle. Hindi makahintay eh. Kapitan ka then suddenly you have a big house, a subdivision, three cars. Like Trillanes. Maraming bahay sikreto lang, marami ," he said.
Duterte recently voided the amnesty granted to Trillanes after he did not apply for amnesty and did not admit to his crimes as ringleader of the 2003 Oakwood mutiny and the 2007 Peninsula Manila siege.
Trillanes has asked the Supreme Court to block Duterte's amnesty recall but the tribunal reportedly denied his petition. Malacañang said there was no longer legal impediment to implement the President’s Proclamation No. 572 that nullified Trillanes’ amnesty and sought his prosecution and detention.