“The secretary of national defense is confirming that no intervention or interference by Secretary Bong Go happened,” the statement said. ADVERTISEMENT“There was neither hint nor guidance from the Palace or from Secretary Bong Go to influence the implementation of the project,” it added. Lorenzana erredThe DND statement clarified that Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana erred in assuming that a controversial document, which favored a South Korean weapons system supplier, had come from Go. Approved by GazminOn Jan. 24, 2016, the final technical specifications for the procurement of the frigates was approved by then Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Roque said. He indicated that he did not believe Go intervened in the Navy project, describing his longtime aide as a “billionaire.” —WITH A REPORT FROM NIKKO DIZON

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer January 17, 2018 23:03 UTC