Time to probe frigate deal – Palace

Malacañang said yesterday that, perhaps, now is the time to probe the P15.5-billion frigate project of the Department of National Defense (DND) after it was revealed that contractor Hyundai Heavy Industries was allegedly banned in South Korea due to bribery.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque was responding to the claims of Magdalo Representative Gary Alejano that the said contractor of the Navy frigate deal was banned in the state-led bidding in South Korea due to bribery in other countries.

Roque, in a press briefing in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, thanked Alejano, a staunch critic of President Duterte, for raising the issue as grounds now exist to launch an investigation on the officials of the previous administration.

“Salamat po kay Congressman Alejano. Alam ninyo po, napapagod na ang Presidente depensahan ang mga kontrata na ipinasok ng nakalipas na administrasyon (We thank Congressman Alejano. You know, the President is growing tired of defending the contract that the previous administration entered into),” he said Saturday.

“So maybe with this, maybe it’s time to investigate Alejano’s allies and ask them what really is the deal with this contract),” he added in Filipino.

Roque said he wishes that Alejano will not back down from the probe just because his allies are the ones being investigated.