Manila: Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla on Tuesday said the plunder complaint filed by former senator Antonio Trillanes IV against former president Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Bong Go may potentially aid in the ongoing investigation on conflict-of-interest cases in connection with infrastructure projects in the past few years.

According to Philippines News Agency, Trillanes originally filed the plunder charges against Duterte and Go before the Department of Justice (DOJ) last year in connection with the alleged anomalous award of 184 government contracts worth more than PHP6 billion.

However, the complaint was immediately passed to the office of then ombudsman Samuel Martirez by former prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento without first clearing it with Remulla, who was then the DOJ secretary. Remulla expressed concern over not having had the opportunity to review the case initially, leading to disagreements with Malcontento. He noted that the current prosecutor general, Richard Fadullon, is handling the matter competently.

Now that Trillanes has refiled the case, Remulla assured that it will undergo ‘due process.’ He mentioned that he would study the case thoroughly and ensure it goes through fact-finding, evaluation, and preliminary investigation. Remulla also plans to locate the original complaint to assess its contents.

Remulla highlighted the importance of Trillanes’ complaint as it provides leads for the investigations. The complaint may guide where to look in the Department of Public Works and Highways records, such as project numbers, to validate information within the computer system. He emphasized the commitment to due process and human rights.

In the complaint filed by Trillanes, he alleged that Duterte and Go facilitated corrupt practices in awarding contracts to companies owned by Go’s father and brother. From 2007 to 2018, CLTG Builders, owned by Go’s father, was awarded 125 government contracts worth around PHP4.9 billion, while Alfrego Builders, owned by Go’s brother, secured 59 projects worth PHP1.74 billion. Trillanes claimed both companies lacked the necessary contractors’ licenses for such large-scale projects, with many contracts exceeding allowable cost limits.

Trillanes argued that all elements of plunder were present, accusing Go, in conspiracy with Duterte, of using their positions to benefit family-owned businesses, thereby enriching themselves. The complaint also accused Duterte and Go of violating Republic Act (RA) No. 7080 (The Anti-Plunder Act), RA 3019 (The Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), and RA 6713 (The Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees).