Rama: City not prioritizing plane purchase

CEBU, Philippines – Buying old planes is not one of the city's priorities, this according to Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama who announced yesterday that he is no longer interested in acquiring the three planes put up for auction by the Department of Education.

Earlier, he said that he wants a study of the proposal of Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young to buy the three 40-year-old Helio planes which were offered by DepEd at a floor price of P4,678,589.57.

But Rama said he has heard and read more criticism than encouragement of the plan.

"I have enough of what I have read. I have enough of what I received through texts. I have been receiving a lot of comments and I don't have to cite all one by one," Rama said.

"Like what they have said, the city will lose in the maintenance, 40 years old already and so on. We cannot risk since we are dealing with public funds," Rama added.

Aside from the fact that the planes are quite old, the city government also would need to spend millions for its maintenance and repair which includes an overhaul of the engines.

Pilots must also undergo specialized training because Helio aircraft are different from other ordinary planes, these are designed to fly under abnormal conditions.

Though DepEd assured that the planes are in flying condition, the city does not want to take the risk.

But Young said that it is normal for Rama to hear a lot of criticism from people because not many have knowledge about planes.

Young said that it is too early to say that the city is rejecting the plan because a thorough study has yet to be made on the feasibility of acquiring planes for use during emergency situations like disasters.

Rama said that even if he has already made a decision, he will not close his ears to the council that might approve the procurement.

"I also have to hear what is their understanding about it. But as far as I am concerned, it is not a priority now," Rama said.

He said he is more open to the idea of buying a chopper but on the condition that it will not be maintained by the city.

"I was of that view long time ago but it should not be maintained by the city. It may be maintained by Centcom (Central Command) and it must be formed part sa ilaha and just be made available to us if needed. It will be useful in our Quick Response Emergency Team," Rama said. - /BRP (THE FREEMAN)