FVR hits Arroyo plan to purchase P1.2-B jet

Former President Fidel Ramos has criticized President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's aborted plan of acquiring a P1.2-billion jet to ensure her safety during travels. Radio dzBB's Manny Vargas quoted Ramos on Tuesday as saying that during his time, he only used a Fokker plane when traveling to nearby places. Ramos also reportedly said that when he and his entourage needed to go overseas, they did not hesitate to take commercial flights if chartered flights were not available. On Sunday, Mrs. Arroyo ordered the cancellation of the planned purchase of a presidential jet. GMANews.TV on Thursday broke the story on the Office of the President's (OP) advertisement inviting bids to supply an aircraft for the president that had to be “factory new, twin-engine (turbo-fan engines), pressurized, fitted with auxiliary power unit, and with VIP cabin configuration." Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, who announced Mrs. Arroyo’s new directive canceling the jet purchase, said the President wants to end the furor over her travel expenses. Mrs. Arroyo has been criticized since last week for her “lavish" overseas dinners and alleged overspending on foreign trips. The ad in the Philippine Star newspaper sought suppliers for a used executive jet because one of the two presidential aircraft, the 50-year-old F-27, is undergoing a maintenance check, the Office of the President said in a statement. - GMANews.TV