LP to Kick Out Alejano as Ally for Revealing “Anomalous” Frigate Deal During Aquino’s Term

The Liberal Party (LP) is very much likely to kick out Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano soon as one of their political allies. This is after Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said that Malacanang will conduct an investigation to the alleged anomalous frigate deal made by the Philippine Navy during the term of former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.

Last Thursday, February 1, Rep. Alejano said that Congress should probe into the P15.7-billion warship deal between the Philippine Navy and Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), a South Korean firm. This is because by South Korea's Supreme Court has banned HHI for two years for allegedly being involved in corruption in a business deal.

Last Saturday, Spokesperson Harry Roque said that it is now time to probe the former cabinet members of Noynoy Aquino, insisting that the Duterte government has no liability over the said deal, simply because HHI was picked as the winning bidder on June 9, 2016. President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office on June 30, 2016.

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“First, I suggest that Spokesperson Roque familiarize himself with the Frigate Acquisition Project (FAP) controversy instead of looking for excuses to clear the present administration.” Alejano responded on Sunday via Facebook, adding that the frigate deal was signed on October 24, 2016, and implementation is under Duterte’s watch.

“I would welcome that (Malacañang investigation) regardless of who will be implicated. If the previous administration officials will be found involved, then they should be held liable. Likewise, if the officials of the Duterte administration are also found involved, I hope they will not balk but answer the accusations squarely.” He added.

Meanwhile, Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat Jr. said that LP will hold a meeting this week to discuss the possible expulsion of Rep. Alejano as its political ally. The LP vice president (VP) for internal affairs said that the latter’s expose can severely damage the reputation of the party especially that the 2019 mid-term election is fast approaching.



“Ang problema, di nya kinunsulta ang partido bago sya nagsalita. Naintindihan natin na gusto nyang tumakbong senador sa 2019, at kailangan nyang maging pamilyar sa mga botante ngayon pa lang. Pero dapat mag-ingat siya. Huwag nyang hilahin pababa ang partido para lang maka-akyat siya.” Baguilat said in an ambush interview this Monday.

Contributed by Renato Pasayao