No Mike, Iggy Arroyo in Senate probe on PNP choppers

Former First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike" Arroyo and his brother, Negros Occidental Rep. Ignacio “Iggy" Arroyo, on Monday did not show up for the Senate's inquiry on the alleged misrepresentations in the Philippine National Police's (PNP) purchase of helicopters in 2009. Mike Arroyo had earlier skipped the Senate inquiry on the advice of his doctors. He said he can't be subjected to stress because of his condition called "dissecting aortic aneurysm." On Monday, Philippine Heart Center executive director Dr. Manuel Chua Chiaco told the Senate blue ribbon committee that Mr. Arroyo's condition always carries the "risk of rupture." Chiaco added that in his opinion, putting the former First Gentleman through the Senate probe will put him "at risk." Senate President Pro Tempore Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada then asked the Senate panel to accept Chiaco's opinion because the latter was an expert in the field whom they commissioned to assess Mike Arroyo's condition. The committee agreed. Mr. Arroyo was invited to the Senate blue ribbon inquiry for his alleged involvement in the PNP's multimillion purchase of supposedly brand new helicopters in 2009. Several witnesses have testified, however, that two of the three choppers bought by the PNP were previously owned by Mr. Arroyo. He has since denied the allegation. Iggy in London On the other hand, the Senate blue ribbon committee invited Iggy Arroyo to Monday's hearing because he had cited supposed evidence that would clear his brother's name. On Monday, however, he did not show up for the hearing. He is reportedly in London receiving medical treatment. Senate blue ribbon committee chairman Sen. Teofisto Guingona III, however, asked why he wouldn't want to explain his side. "Sana, maintindihan ng kagalang-galang na kongresista na kailangang ipaliwanag niya sa publiko at patunayan sa taumbayan ang binitiwan niyang salita nuong nagdaang linggo. At dito sa Senado pinakamagandang gawin ang pagpapaliwanag," he said. "Naghihintay pa rin ang komiteng ito ng Senado sa kanilang pagdalo. Bukas pa din ang aming imbitasyon," he added. Senators have said that they cannot subpoena the lawmaker because of inter-parliamentary courtesy. The Senate hearing was ongoing as of posting time. — RSJ, GMA News