Witness says Mike Arroyo had deal with PNP over choppers

A witness alleged that former First Gentleman Jose Miguel "Mike" Arroyo struck a deal with the Philippine National Police (PNP) for them to accept and buy his old helicopters as brand new. The witness, Manila Aerospace Trading Corporation (MAPTRA) president Hilario De Vera, made the statement during Tuesday's blue ribbon committee hearing on the alleged misrepresentations in the PNP's multimillion chopper purchase. According to De Vera, Lion Air president Archibald Po told him that the PNP would buy the two helicopters of Mr. Arroyo, who allegedly struck an agreement with PNP officials. Lion Air sold to MAPTRA the two R44 Raven I choppers which were allegedly previously owned by Mr. Arroyo. MAPTRA then priced them as brand new and sold them to the PNP. "Sinabi ko na sa iyo huwag kang mag-alala dahil kahit ano ideliver mo sa kanila, walang magtatanong at tatanggapin yan kasi may order na sila galing kay FG kung ano dapat gawin," Po reportedly told De Vera, who recounted the conversation to the Senate blue ribbon committee. Request for brand new helicopters De Vera said he still asked Po to supply them at least two brand new choppers because the PNP had asked for three brand new helicopters. However, Mr. Arroyo, through Po, reportedly refused the request. "Sabi ni FG ay isa lang ang brand new. Kung ayaw mo sumunod wala ka maibenta sa PNP dahil hindi kita matutulungan, wala ka makukuhanan. Yun ang gusto ni FG eh," Po reportedly said, according to De Vera. De Vera said the PNP inspection team checked the two pre-owned helicopters on September 24, 2009, confirmed them as brand new, and approved them for purchase in November 2009. MAPTRA then finally managed to sell one new Robinson R44 Raven II and the two pre-owned Robinson R44 Raven I helicopters to the PNP for P104.985 million. The amount was fully paid in April 13, 2010. "Dito ko nakumpirma na totoo ang lahat ng mga sinabi sa akin ni Mr. Arcihie Po noon na walang magtatanong mula sa PNP kung ano ang aking maideliver dahil sila ay may instructions na o order mula ay FG," said De Vera. He likewise sad that the PNP only inquired about the alleged misrepresentations in the chopper purchase in July this year, when the Senate blue ribbon committee was already investigating the matter. - VVP, GMA News