Former First Gentleman Arroyo paid $700,000 for 2 used choppers–witness

MANILA, Philippines — Former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo allegedly received $700,000 as cash payment for the two second-hand police helicopters that he purportedly sold as brand new to the Philippine National Police in 2009, a witness told a Senate hearing on Tuesday.

“MAPTRA [Manila Aerospace Products Trading Corporation] paid us in check and we converted to dollars and gave the money to the First Gentleman,” Archibald Po, president of the Lionair Incorporated, said when he testified before the Senate blue ribbon committee.

“I delivered it personally,” Po said, responding to queries by Senator Franklin Drilon.

Po said he delivered the money to Arroyo’s LTA office in Makati City on April 16,2010.

“I went up alone…[I was carrying]$700,000 cash,” he added.

Po claimed that he facilitated the purchase of five Robinson R44 Raven 1 helicopters for Arroyo, of which two were sold as brand new to the PNP.