(Eagle News) — The Department of National Defense on Friday welcomed the Senate’s possible probe into the P15.7-billion frigate acquisition project.
“We have long been waiting for the opportunity to shed light on this issue so that the truth will finally be known,” Defense spokesperson Dir. Arsenio Andolong said in a brief statement.
Earlier, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana defended Bong Go from allegations he intervened in the project, particularly in the bidding for the Combat Management Systems of the two frigates.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said this was not possible as the bidding process was undertaken and the winning bidder chosen during the administration of then-President Benigno Aquino III.
He noted that the bidding for the CMS was not separate from the bidding of the frigates.
He added Lorenzana merely gave the notice to award to the winning bidder.
Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado–who Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano said was sacked as Navy commander for “jeopardizing” the project–also denied Go intervened in any way.
It was minority senators Francis Pangilinan, Risa Hontiveros, Leila de Lima, Bam Aquino, Antonio Trillanes IV and Franklin Drilon who, on Friday, filed a resolution calling for the inquiry.
