Senate resumes chopper deal probe

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate has resumed its investigation into the anomalous sale of secondhand helicopters to the Philippine National Police.

The blue ribbon committee, which is spearheading the inquiry,is expected to decide on the fate of a witness, Rowena del Rosario, who was detained in the Senate for allegedly evading questions from senators during Monday’s hearing.

Del Rosario was the former bookkeeper of Negros Occidental Representative Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo, who allegedly paid for the rent of five helicopters from Lionair Inc., of which two were sold as brand new to the PNP.

Lionair Inc. president Archibal Po claimed however that the helicopters belonged to Arroyo’s brother, former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo.

Senator Teofisto Guingona III heads the blue ribbon committee.