By JOSEPH HOLANDES UBALDE
Interaksyon.com
SENATOR Antonio Trillanes IV accused former Philippine National Police chief Jesus Versoza of being the most at fault for the 2009 purchase of three overpriced choppers.
Trillanes said Versoza is “most guilty” because he “allowed this thing to happen.” The senator was referring to Versoza’s approval to give the Manila Aerospace Products Trading (Maptra) the helicopter contract despite the fact that it has failed to comply with several requirements.
The PNP ordered “brand new” choppers from Maptra but the firm only gave one pristine aircraft and two pre-owned helicopters that were previously owned by former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo. The three were sold at P105 million, at marked up brand new prices.
When Trillanes asked Versoza about this, the former PNP chief said: “I know nothing about the pre-owned helicopters.”
Trillanes then addressed the other PNP officers being grilled at the Senate hearing: “You’re former commander has left you hanging.”
“Let this be a lesson…next time you sign a document, make sure you are doing the right thing,” he added.
Senator Teofisto Guingona III, head of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, also quizzed Versoza about the competence of Maptra to enter such contract.
Guingona said Versoza signed the supply contract despite the fact that the firms’ accreditation with the PNP already expired in January 22, 2009, six months before the transaction transpired in July.
“You entered into a contract with a party that is legally not capable to enter into a contract with the PNP,” Guingona added.