Go denies graft link, maintains innocence

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Tuesday said the complaint filed against him before the Office of the Ombudsman was politically motivated and meant to divert attention from larger corruption controversies, insisting that his “conscience is clear.”

The complaint filed by former senator Antonio Trillanes IV averred that Go and former President Rodrigo Duterte benefited from at least P7 billion worth of government projects secured by CLTG Builders, a Davao-based contracting firm owned by the senator’s father.

Based on the 35-page document, Trillanes accused the two of awarding billions of pesos’ worth of infrastructure projects to two firms — CLTG Builders, owned by Go’s father Desiderio, and Alfrego Builders, owned by his brother Alfredo.

Go has repeatedly denied any involvement in their operations, saying he resigned from all business interests before entering government service.

“My conscience is clear. I am not a thief. I am not a contractor. I am a senator serving the Filipino people, and I have a sense of propriety,” Go said in Filipino during a recent press briefing at the Senate.

He added that his only concern is protecting his integrity and reputation. “The only thing I can safeguard now is my name and my principles. I will never waste them,” he said.

Go said he welcomed the complaint, saying it gives him a chance to answer the allegations through proper legal channels.

“I have been expecting this complaint, and now we are in the proper forum to prove the baselessness of his (Trillanes) allegations,” Go said. “I now have the opportunity to answer him point by point before the Ombudsman and not through the media anymore.”

He urged the Ombudsman to ensure fairness in its proceedings, expressing confidence that “the truth will come out” and “justice will prevail.”

Go said he would focus on public service rather than respond to political attacks.

“Instead of wasting time on worthless mudslinging, I will just keep working. Service, compassion, and hard work — that is what I can offer to the Filipino people,” he said.