‘Tell truth on chopper deal,’ Mike Arroyo urged

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Teofisto Guingona III has called on former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo not to use his health condition as an excuse not to attend the Senate investigation into his alleged role in the purchase of used helicopters by the Philippine National Police.

“Now that you’re back, I appeal to you that you say it here in the Senate. Prove that these people who exposed the alleged anomalies involving the sale of helicopters to the PNP are lying,” Guingona said in his opening statement in Filipino when the Senate blue ribbon committee resumed its hearing on Thursday.

“Now that you’re back, allow us to ask you here in the Senate — and we will ask you only after you’ve taken your oath to tell the truth
Ngayong ikaw ay ‘back, hayaan,” he said.

“And I also appeal to you not to hide behind a medical certificate to avoid coming to the Senate,” the senator said.

Guingona promised that the Senate would give Arroyo a fair treatment when he faces the hearing.