Updated graft, plunder charges filed vs ex-Pres Duterte, Sen Bong Go, 2 traders

Former senator Antonio F. Trillanes IV filed an updated complaint for graft and plunder against former president Rodrigo R. Duterte, Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, and two businessmen on the alleged irregular award of P6.95 billion infrastructure projects from 2007 to 2018.

- CZARINA NICOLE ONG KI

A side from Duterte and Senator Go, also named in the complaint filed before the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) were businessmen Deciderio Lim Go and Alfred Armero Go, owners of CLTG Builders and Alfrego Builders & Supply.

Trillanes said the four respondents should be held liable for plunder under Republic Act No. 7080 and graft under RA 3019.

Trillanes initially filed the graft and plunder complaint against the same respondents on July 5, 2024, and asked the National Prosecution Service of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to conduct the necessary investigation against them.

However, on July 10, 2024, then Prosecutor General Benedicto A. Malcontento endorsed the complaint to the Office of the Ombudsman.

Acting on the endorsement, then Ombudsman Samuel R. Martires issued a notice on June 2, 2025 dismissing the complaint without prejudice to its refiling "should additional documents be gathered to support the allegations or circumstances arise that would warrant the conduct of further investigation by the Office." Martires' action prompted Trillanes to revise and update his complaint before the OMB.

In his updated complaint, Trillanes told the OMB that Deciderio and Alfred are the father and half-brother of Senator Go.