Police officials grilled over 2009 chopper sale

MANILA, Philippines – Police officials involved in the purchase of used helicopters in 2009 were put on a hot seat on Thursday when they faced the Senate blue ribbon committee investigating the matter.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, who exposed the alleged anomalous purchase by the Philippine National Police (PNP) during the Arroyo administration, immediately peppered with questions the members of the PNP’s negotiation committee and its bidding and awards committee, which approved the transaction for one brand-new and two used helicopters in 2009.

In the inquiry that started at 9 a.m. Lacson revealed that when the winning contractor, the Manila Aerospace Trading Corp (MAPTRA), submitted its proposal as early as June 15, 2009, it indicated that the two of three helicopters were in “service center condition.”

“What do you mean by service center condition ? What does it mean? What does it imply?” Lacson asked.

“To be honest sir, hindi ko na-encounter yung terminology na yun e,” said Police Director Luizo Ticman, member of both the negotiation and the bidding and awards committee.