Go defends Duterte on coup plots
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go strongly refuted allegations linking former President Rodrigo Duterte to destabilization plots. He categorically denied these unfounded rumors, calling it “malicious fake news” whose intent is to sow hatred between the current administration and the previous president.
“He (Duterte) will not do that based on my long association with him,” Go stressed in an interview after he visited the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte last Saturday, 11 November.
The Senator also explained that Duterte is not the type to even consider instigating a coup against the government given the latter’s untarnished legal experience and utmost respect for the law.
“Knowing him, hindi po siya papasok sa mga ganu’ng destabilization plot,” Go added.
The unfounded rumors surrounding Duterte’s alleged involvement came after Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner, Jr. disclosed the supposed destabilization move against the Marcos administration that implicated retired military officers. However, the AFP later clarified that Brawner was “misquoted.”
In his radio program over Sonshine Media Network International, former President Duterte wondered how he became entangled in an alleged scheme to destabilize the government. Duterte vehemently denied any involvement in the alleged anti-Marcos administration plot.
“I really do not know how I was dragged into this, but you know, as a former employee of the government, I remember talking to some retired generals,” Duterte said earlier.
Go, who served as Special Assistant to the former president, expressed his disappointment over said claims, labeling them as baseless and lacking any credible evidence.
Meanwhile, Go, during the Senate plenary debates on the 2024 budget proposal of the Department of Energy on Monday, 13 November, raised significant concerns about the lack of electrification in remote areas of the country and emphasized the urgent need for addressing this gap. He also expressed his concern about recurring brownouts in select areas around the country.
In his manifestation, Go highlighted DoE’s integral contribution to lighting up households across the Philippines, noting the profound impact of their work on the lives of citizens.
“The DoE plays a pivotal role in the electrification of households across the nation, particularly in far-flung sitios and barangays,” he said.
Go’s outreach team on Friday, coordinated with the local government of Tigbauan, Iloilo, including Congresswoman Janet Garin and Mayor Virgilio Teruel, to provide assistance to 174 displaced workers gathered at the Barangay 1 covered gym.
Go’s team distributed snacks and shirts to all identified disadvantaged workers, while select recipients received balls for basketball and volleyball from the senator.