Ex-PNP chief Versoza should take fall for police choppers scam-Senator Trillanes

MANILA – Senator Antonio Trillanes IV wants former Police chief Jesus Versoza be held liable for the anomalous purchase of used helicopters by the Philippine National Police, saying he was the “most guilty” person for allowing that transaction.

In his supplemental affidavit submitted to the Senate blue ribbon committee, Hilario de Vera of the Manila Aerospace Trading Corp claimed that Versoza knew about the pre-owned helicopters that were sold to the PNP in 2009 .

De Vera said that on September 23, 2009, he sought a meeting with Versoza to inform him that he would deliver two pre-owned helicopter units.

But Versoza’s executive assistant, Colonel Erwin Robles, allegedly told him that the former police chief already approved it.

“Ok na raw yung pre-owned sabi ni Sir (referring to General Jesus Versoza). Napag usapan na raw yan,” de Vera said, quoting Robles.

But Versoza, who was present at Thursday’s hearing in the Senate, maintained that he did not know that the choppers were pre-owned.

“I did not know that the helicopters were pre-owned,” he said, responding to Trillanes’ question.

But Trillanes told Versoza, “I still maintain that in this anomalous transaction, along with Mr. Mike Arroyo, you are the most guilty entity in this transaction because you allowed this to happen.”

“Are you going to allow your subordinate to take the fall while you cover up the real culprit in this transaction?” the senator asked.

Versoza answered, “I will leave it the proper authorities to conduct an investigation.”

The fact-finding committee of the PNP, however, did not include its former chief in the list of those who would be held liable for the chopper deal, incumbent Police chief Raul Bacalzo told the blue ribbon committee.

“I’m sad to say,  any finding that would not include Versoza is not acceptable,” Trillanes said.