Sen. Christopher ‘Bong’ Go, during a press conference at the Senate on Thursday, October 16, made it clear that he has nothing to hide and is ready to face any investigation regarding allegations linking him to irregular infrastructure projects and to contractors such as the Discayas.
He emphasized the need to identify and hold accountable the real masterminds, calling on investigative bodies not to let the truth be diverted for political ends.
‘I welcome any investigation, let the facts speak for themselves. I have nothing to hide, I have nothing to fear because I did nothing wrong. I am not involved in any anomaly. My sworn duty is to serve the nation. And I will never waste the trust given to me by the people,’ the senator declared in Filipino.
Go made a call to the authorities to focus their investigation on the real masterminds.
‘To the DPWH, Ombudsman – target the mastermind. Who are the people behind this? We are waiting, the Filipino people are waiting for someone to be held accountable. but it seems like this is being pulled back further and further,’ he said.
He made it clear that he stands with the Filipino people in their clamor for accountability. ‘I am one with the Filipino people in this crusade against corruption. I am with you here, and we will not stop. Let’s not allow the truth to be diverted. Because there will be chaos if the truth is diverted. Focus on who needs to be focused on. Find who needs to be found – the real crocodiles, the real masterminds. why does it seem like this is being walked back now?’
Go categorically denied any personal or business ties with the Discayas, stressing that his name is being unfairly dragged into the issue.
‘With all due respect to the Ombudsman, we support all investigations and here’s what I can say – I do not know the Discayas. I do not know them personally,’ Go said.
‘In fact, during the Senate hearing a few months ago, I asked them – the Discayas. I asked, do you have a joint venture with CLTG? They said yes. Is it already completed? They answered yes. Is it already being used? Yes,’ he added.
He said that as a senator and member of the Senate blue ribbon committee, his interest was to ensure accountability if there were any irregularities.
‘If there are lapses or mistakes, if it’s anomalous or substandard, hold them accountable. I said before, I myself. I am willing to file a case. Let’s file cases against those who must be charged, even if they are my relatives. I’m willing to be the complainant if they are truly at fault. And if the Discayas are at fault, charge them. I don’t care. I want accountability,’ he said.
Go also called on the Discayas and other witnesses or contractors to always speak the truth.
‘And I’m urging the Discayas and all witnesses – please, just tell the truth. Don’t allow the issue to be diverted from the truth. The Filipino people will suffer. Let’s go straight to the truth. Just the truth – that’s all I ask from you. Let’s go straight to the truth,’ Go added.
The senator underscored that throughout his career, he has upheld the principle of delicadeza (a sense of propriety and ethical conduct) and has never interfered in any government transactions, especially those involving relatives. He also recalled how, during his time working with former Mayor and then President Rodrigo Duterte, he drew a clear line between public service and family businesses.
‘When he became mayor, I only asked one thing. I said, if my relatives enter into government transactions in city hall, I will resign. If they enter in Malacañang back then, I will resign. Because I observe delicadeza. I gave them a choice – if you enter, I will leave. That’s all I have to offer – I repeat, delicadeza,’ Go added.
Go pointed out that the issue involving the Discayas and construction projects has been repeatedly revived over the years, particularly during election seasons. He noted that the allegations do not prove any wrongdoing on his part and that he never benefited from such transactions, even emphasizing that individuals cannot choose who their family members are.
He also criticized attempts to link him to the controversy to obscure the real issues.
‘Don’t smear your dirt on me so you look clean. Don’t be like that,’ he said.
The senator reaffirmed his call for accountability for those who truly profited from anomalous flood control and other infrastructure projects. He expressed support for the efforts of the Inter-Agency Committee on Infrastructure (ICI), concerned departments, and the Ombudsman to pursue the investigation.
‘My only request is to stick to the truth. Let the truth come out first. The truth, just the truth. Bring out the truth. That’s my request to the ICI, to Sec. Vince, and to everyone investigating. Let’s stay with the truth,’ Go said. ‘Let’s not go around in circles. Let’s not divert from the truth. Don’t fool the Filipino people. Let’s go straight to what must be targeted.’
The senator reiterated that he is not a contractor and has no involvement in any joint venture or infrastructure deal. He also acknowledged that his proximity to the former president and his position have made him a target of political attacks and name-dropping. He said some forces are working to distort the truth.
‘Expect that this won’t be the last. There are forces moving to spin the truth so those who must be held accountable will not be. It’s all there, it’s crystal clear. We’ve already investigated this in the Blue Ribbon Committee – a lot has come out. There are so many congressmen who are themselves contractors. I am far removed from that, what do I have to do with it?’ he said.
He repeated his warning against attempts to use this as a diversion.
‘That’s the trend now – they’ll smear you with mud so they look clean,’ he said.
In closing, the senator expressed confidence that the Filipino people can see through political noise and diversions.
He said, ‘But I trust the people to recognize the noise. I have stood by them through floods, fires, earthquakes, and a pandemic. I earned their trust not through words but through action. My service comes from love and compassion for the Filipino people. And I will never waste the trust you have given me. Let’s stand by the truth.’