Former Philippine leader Duterte and aide accused of steering government contracts to cronies

Associated Press

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — A former Philippine opposition senator has accused ex-President Rodrigo Duterte of plundering state coffers in a criminal complaint. Former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV alleged that Duterte conspired with an aide to award government infrastructure contracts worth millions of dollars to cronies. The accusation, filed with the Department of Justice on Friday, adds to the former president’s legal worries, which include an investigation by the International Criminal Court into allegations of crimes against humanity over the widespread killings of suspects during his crackdown on illegal drugs. Duterte did not immediately comment but has previously denied any wrongdoing in office.