Duterte denies aide intervened in Philippines warship deal
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte denied reports his chief aide had improperly intervened in the acquisition of two new warships for $308 million, just weeks after the country's navy chief was sacked for jeopardising the deal.
Speaking on 16 January Duterte, who has long insisted he would fire any official at the slightest 'whiff' of corruption, challenged the media to produce evidence of wrongdoing so he could sack his righthand-man Christopher Go.
In an angry outburst, he accused local news website Rappler, which first reported the allegations, of publishing 'fake news'.
The government signed a contract in 2016 with South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries to build two frigates to be delivered to the Philippine navy in 2020 and 2021.
But concerns were raised last month as the commander of the Philippine Navy was abruptly sacked for delaying the project.
Defence secretary Delfin Lorenzana claimed Vadm Ronald Joseph Mercado was trying to force the government to award a separate contract for the warships' combat management systems to a specific electronics company.
Mercado was removed from office following 'instructions from higher authorities', according to military officials.
While Mercado has not yet responded to Lorenzana's allegations in public, Go on 16 January issued a statement denying any malpractice, saying he had not participated or intervened directly or indirectly in the transactions.
'I have not intervened in the procurement of the computer system for its [the defence department's] ships,' Go said.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Turkey’s first commercial-built special operations submarine passes pressure hull test
It is hoped the building of the STM500 might stimulate international sales.
-
Germany and UK build stronger naval ties in North Atlantic
The Trinity House agreement included joint training and a focus on anti-submarine warfare.
-
RFA Support Ships pass design review stage
The UK’s Royal Fleet Auxiliary Solid Support Ships have found the design review plain sailing and will now move forward to construction stages.
-
R&S to supply German Sachsen ships with Kora EW and communications systems
The Sachsen-class (F124) frigates were designed for enhanced air defence with stealth features with the first entering service in 2003. The class is now undergoing a substantial upgrade.
-
Norway and Germany sign agreement on NATO undersea infrastructure
A new chain of Critical Undersea Infrastructure hubs among NATO Allies has been proposed to ensure pipes and cables are safe from damage.