Trillanes: Ex-PNP chief Verzosa ‘most guilty’ in choppers mess

Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Jesus Verzosa is the “most guilty" personality in the controversy involving the PNP’s purchase of pre-owned helicopters in 2009, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV said on Thursday. “In this anomalous transaction, along with former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, you are the most guilty entity and personality... because you allowed this transaction to happen," Trillanes told Verzosa during the blue ribbon committee hearing on the issue. Mr. Arroyo was reportedly the previous owner of two R44 Raven I choppers that were sold to the PNP as brand new. The choppers were first supplied to Manila Aerospace Trading Corporation (MAPTRA) by Lion Air, which was supposedly acting on Mr. Arroyo’s orders. Last week, Lion Air president Archibald Legaspi Po confirmed that Mr. Arroyo was the previous owner of the choppers. MAPTRA president Hilario De Vera added that the former First Gentleman made a deal with PNP officials so that they would accept the choppers without question. Meeting with MAPTRA A supplemental affidavit executed by De Vera said he asked to meet Verzosa to tell him that they were going to deliver two pre-owned or service center conditioned helicopters to the PNP. Verzosa’s assistant, Col. Erwin Robles, reportedly told him that he approved of the pre-owned choppers despite the PNP's requirement for brand new aircraft. On Thursday, however, Robles denied that he ever talked to De Vera. "Hindi po totoo yun your honor. Hindi po kami nainpormahan na luma ang idedeliver," he said. Robles and De Vera accused each other of lying, and agreed to undergo a lie detector test if there is a need to do so. Members of the PNP inspection, acceptance, and bids and awards committee have repeatedly denied knowing that the helicopters purchased by the PNP were pre-owned. Trillanes asked Verzosa to admit that they were being forced to lie by someone powerful. "All of your subordinates will take the fall," he said during the inquiry. "Your former commander has left you hanging. You will be hanging because they don't have the guts to stand up to the real culprits," the senator told Verzosa's former subordinates. Verzosa, however, denied knowing about any irregularity. "I know nothing about the pre-owned helicopter controversy. I expect as chief that all those (employees) would be doing their job. I see that the normal processes were followed," he said. Everybody’s at fault Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, meanwhile, said that everyone should be blamed for the helicopter mess. “Ang presumption ko buong gobyerno nagkamali dito. COA (Commission on Audit), yung ahensya na bumili, lahat. Para bang napakatanga ng gobyerno natin," he said during the same hearing. “There is conspiracy to cover up something here," he said. PNP chief Raul Bacalzo said he has directed the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to conduct a "more in-depth" investigation to determine the specific individuals who were involved in the scandal. He said he likewise asked the CIDG to file the appropriate charges in court should they find cause to do so. Verzosa said he will "leave it to the proper authorities" to settle the matter. - KBK, GMA News