Former President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go are facing a plunder complaint filed by former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, marking the latest in a series of legal challenges against Duterte and his associates.

On Friday, Trillanes submitted a 30-page complaint to the Department of Justice (DOJ), alleging that Duterte and Go were involved in the corrupt awarding of 184 government contracts worth over PHP6 billion to companies owned by Go’s family members.

Trillanes accused Duterte and Go of facilitating corrupt practices between 2007 and 2018.

According to the complaint, CLTG Builders, owned by Go’s father Deciderio, secured 125 government contracts totaling approximately PHP4.9 billion. Meanwhile, Alfred Builders, owned by Go’s brother Alfredo, obtained 59 government projects worth PHP1.74 billion.

In an interview with ANC, Trillanes emphasized that the current administration provides a more impartial justice system, making it the right time to pursue the case.

“Ang ultimate manifestation dito ay ang pag-dismiss sa kaso ni Senator Leila de Lima. Hindi mangyayari yon under the Duterte administration,” he said, referring to the recent dismissal of charges against another Duterte critic.

Trillanes claimed that both companies lacked the necessary contractors’ licenses to handle such large-scale projects, with many contracts exceeding allowable project cost limits. “All the elements of plunder are clearly present in this case.

Mr. Bong Go, in conspiracy with Mr. Duterte, used his position, authority, and influence to corner billions worth of government projects in favor of his father and brother, thus unduly enriching himself and the members of his immediate family. The evidence presented in the complaint is compelling and warrants a plunder charge,” Trillanes stated.

In addition to the Anti-Plunder Act (Republic Act No. 7080), Duterte and Go were also accused of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019) and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act No. 6713).