Senate probe into chopper deal resumes sans Mike Arroyo

MANILA, Philippines — Former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo was a no show at Thursday’s resumption of the Senate hearing into the alleged anomalous purchase of second-helicopters by the Philippine National Police.

At least two witnesses – Archibald Po (president of Lionair Incorporated) and Hilario de Vera (president of the Manila Aerospace Trading Corporation) – had pointed to Arroyo as the previous owner of the used helicopters that were sold as brand new to the PNP in 2009.

Po claimed that he facilitated the purchase of five choppers for Arroyo, two of which were sold to the police, while De Vera claimed that the former First Gentleman had allegedly influenced the transaction.

Arroyo denied the allegations and even filed a case against Po.