Senators hail Malacaňang decision to cancel jet purchase

By junking its plan to buy a presidential jet for P1.2 billion, Malacaňang received a pat on the back on Monday from its critics, who had said such a purchase at a time of economic crisis showed lack of sensitivity. Senator Rodolfo Biazon, chairman of the Senate committee on national defense and security, said the money should be used instead to repair and refurbish the Philippine Air Force’s transport planes. Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel hailed the decision as "a good move." “The circumstances do not justify the acquisition of a jet plane. Her term is about to end," he said. The planned purchase was made public as President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was being pummeled by critics for the expensive dinners she attended in New York and Washington during her recent US trip. On Sunday, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde announced that Mrs. Arroyo canceled the jet purchase to end the furor over her travel expenses. [See Malacanang-cancels-plan-to-purchase-P12-B-jet. While expressing relief that the plan would not push through, Sen. Francis Pangilinan demanded blood. “Whoever proposed this (purchase of jet) should be crucified upside down," he said in a text message to GMANews.TV. “The fact that it was proposed to begin with is really a cause for concern. It shows a level of sensitivity that is disturbing." He added: “The whole world is engulfed by a global economic crisis wherein tens of thousands of our people are being laid off and here comes Malacaňang wanting to spend government money to buy a billion-peso jet." Meanwhile, Senator Francis Escudero said the government has to be sensitive about the need to spend resources wisely in the face of the global economic crisis and poverty in the country. "Kahit na sinong maging Pangulo ay dapat maghanap ng paraan para hindi mamuhay nang magarbo at mamuhay nang simple at maging sensitibo sa pangangailangan ng bansa kaugnay sa kakaunting pera na meron tayo (Whoever sits as president should live modestly)," he said. Repair of transport planes Biazon said the deadly fighting in Basilan last week should be enough reason for the government to spend the P1.2 billion estimated budget for the purchase of the jet on the refurbishment of the PAF’s four C-130 planes. “At present, there is only one operating C-130 plane, hampering the movement of troops, supplies and equipment where they are needed," he said. Biazon said there is also a need for additional helicopters that can provide combat and service support to ground forces, and special equipment such as night vision devices and communication gadgets. “Since the cancellation apparently is not a result of lack of funds but because of sensitivity to public opinion, we can therefore assume that the fund is available," he said. Meaningless directive Biazon, former military chief of staff, said Mrs. Arroyo’s directive to the military to finish off the Abu Sayyaf rebels would “be meaningless if resources are not mustered and deployed to the affected areas in Basilan in Jolo." During a visit to Zamboanga on Saturday, President Arroyo had reiterated her directive to the military to “annihilate" the Abu Sayyaf group and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters that killed 23 Philippine soldiers last Wednesday in Basilan. The anti-government forces were said to have lost 31 men in the clash. Biazon said the military needs to deploy additional resources including personnel, ammunition, artillery, and aircraft to carry out the president’s order. - GMANews.TV