By Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos
Malacañang has sought a probe on the P15.5-billion frigate project of the Department of National Defense after Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano revealed that contractor Hyundai Heavy Industries was banned by the South Korean government due to bribery in other countries.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, in a press briefing in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, thanked Alejano for raising the issue as this is a ground 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,” he said.
“Dahil po dito na naman sa sinasabi ni Congressman Alejano, ay siguro po dapat napapanahon na, na imbestigahan iyong mga kakampi niya kung ano talaga ginawa nila dito sa frigate deal na ito,” he added.
Roque said Alejano should not back down from the probe just because his allies are the ones being investigated.
“Baka naman dahil mga kakampi niya ang iimbestigahan dahil diyan sa frigate deal ay biglang manahimik siya. Dapat kasing-maingay siya at persistent kapag inimbestigahan na natin iyong kaniyang mga kakampi,” he said.
Roque reiterated that the previous administration selected the winning bidder for the project and it was their fault if they overlooked or neglected the fact that Hyundai Heavy Industries was banned in South Korea.
“Kung totoo na blacklisted iyong binigyan nila ng kontrata, dapat managot iyong mga opisyales ng nakalipas na administrasyon at sabihin sa atin bakit naging ganoon ang kanilang desisyon,” he said.
“Uulitin ko po, done deal na ‘yan nang pumasok ang gobyerno. Ang in-issue lang po ng gobyerno ni Presidente Duterte, iyong Notice of Award,” he added.
