Probe Mike Arroyo, 18 others on chopper deal, Senate panel asks Ombudsman

MANILA, Philippines – The Senate blue ribbon committee has formally asked the Office of the Onbudsman to investigate and determine whether a case should be filed against First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo and 18 others for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act in connection with the anomalous purchase of used helicopters to the Philippine National Police in 2009.

In a letter to Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, Senators Teofisto Guingona III, chairman of the blue ribbon committee, which investigated the issue, Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III referred for preliminary investigation the findings of the committee on the “fraudulent, anomalous, and irregular acquisition” by the Philippine National Police of two light operatiponal helicopters in 2009 from the Manila Aerospace Products Trading Corp.

It was Lacson, who exposed the controversy, prompting an investigation by the Senate.

Aside from Arroyo, the other respondents in the case are former Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno and former Police chief Jesus Versoza.

Also included were police officers involved in the approval of the contract with the supplier, Manila Aerospace Products Trading Corp.

In the letter, the senators also urged the Ombudsman to further investigate the possible criminal liability of Congressman Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo “arising from his attempt to cover up Mike Arroyo’s ownership and participation in this anomalous transaction.”

“This committee finds conspiracy among and between Mike Arroyo and the officers of the Philippine National Police,” Guingona said when he presented the report during a regular forum in the Senate earlier on Thursday.

“With Mike Arroyo’s influence, a scheming conspiracy ensured that the supply contract will be signed and that despite the clear fact that the delivered helicopters were clearly used helicopters, these will nevertheless be accepted by the Philippine Nation Police,” Guingona added.

Arroyo allegedly owned the used choppers sold as brand new to the PNP. He denied the allegation.

Eleven senators signed the report: Guingona, Senators Panfilo Lacson,  Aquilino Pimentel  III, Sergio Osmena III,  Francis Pangilinan, Antionio  Trillanes  IV, Franklin Drlion, Frances “Chiz” Escudero, Pia Cayetano, and  Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada.

Guingona said Senator Alan Peter Cayetano also sent word that he would sign the report.

Though the report has yet to be presented in the plenary for either approval or rejection, Lacson was confident that they have enough evidence to charge those involved in court.

“We have more than enough evidence…incidental lang yung committee report,” said Lacson.