PNP to file graft case vs officers, civilians in chopper deal fiasco

MANILA, Philippines – A case will be filed next week at the Office of the Ombudsman against the suppliers of the used helicopters sold as brand new to the Philippine National Police and its officers involved in the transaction, an official told a Senate hearing on Thursday.

Director Samuel D. Pagdilao Jr., head of the PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), said Lionair Inc. president Archibald Po and Manila Aerospace Products Trading Inc. president Hilario de Vera would be included in the case.

“As per as the civilians are concerned of course we have to include the owners of MAPTRA and also Mr. Po,” Pagdilao said during Thursday’s hearing of the Senate blue ribbon committee.

By next week, Pagdilao said they would be able to file the case before the Ombudsman.

It was Po and De Vera who disclosed that former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo was the alleged owner of the used choppers. Arroyo has denied the allegation.