Senate probes frigate deal, ‘intervention’ of Duterte aide

THE Senate will start its inquiry into the P15-billion frigate deal entered into by the Philippine Navy amid allegations that a close aide of President Rodrigo Duterte intervened in the negotiations and to determine whether the acquisition of the frigates "promotes the goals of the modernization program and complies with pertinent laws."

The committee on national defense and security, led by Sen. Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan 2nd, and the congressional oversight committee on the Armed Forces Modernization Act, were directed under Senate Resolution 584 to spearhead the investigation on Monday.