PNP dismisses officials in anomalous chopper deal

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday said it has ordered administrative sanctions, including dismissal from the service, of active police officials and personnel for their involvement in the anomalous purchase of supposedly brand-new helicopters in 2009.

PNP chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome said the sanctions were imposed based on a resolution passed by the Ombudsman last May 30.

Dismissed from the service effective June 15 with accessory penalties of forfeiture of retirement benefits and perpetual disqualification to hold public office were Chief Superintendent Luis Saligumba; Chief Superintendent Herold Ubalde; Senior Superintendent Job Nolan Antonio; Senior Superintendent Mansue Lukban; Senior Superintendent Edgar Paatan; Superintendent Roman Loreto; Superintendent Ermilando Villafuerte; Chief Inspector Ma. Josefina Recometa; Senior Police Officer 4 Ma. Linda Padojinog; Senior Police Officer 1 Avensuel Dy and civilian employee Ruben Gongona.

Penalized with six months suspension effective June 15 were Senior Superintendent Joel Crisostomo Garcia; SPO3 Jorge Gabiana; PO3 Dionisio Jimenez; civilian personnel Emilia Aliling, Edwin Chavarria and Edwin Maranan.

Penalized with fines equivalent to one year salary deducted from payment of accumulative leave credits with accessory penalty of forfeiture of retirement benefits and perpetual disqualification to hold public office pursuant to Ombudsman Resolution dated May 30 for serious dishonesty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, were Director Leocadio Santiago Jr. (retired last March 16); Director George Piano (retired last April 8); and Superintendent Claudio Gaspar Jr. (retired last February 2).

The Ombudsman said the police officers were involved in a conspiracy to commit "numerous irregular and illegal related acts" in connection with the negotiated procurement of two units of helicopters.

The police was supposed to buy brand-new R44 Raven 1 helicopters in 2009, but instead purchased second-hand units. The units were allegedly owned by former first gentleman Mike Arroyo.

The information signed by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales cited three "illegal and related acts" committed by all accused in the chopper deal – the contract was overpriced, the Manila Aerospace Products Trading (Maptra) lacked technical and financial eligibility and its net financing contracting capacity was at negative P4 million, which were in violation of the Implementing Rules and Regulations.

The Ombudsman also said the units were not compliant with the National Police Commission specifications as regards its endurance and ventilating system, and had expired engine warranties.

The Ombudsman added that the helicopters were paid by the PNP for P104,985,000 each, but had a net amount of P99,360,803.60 with the deduction of the 10 percent VAT and two percent E-VAT.

The negotiated procurement, however, was overpriced by at least P34,632,187.50, which was paid by the PNP to Maptra for the two hand-me-down units, the anti-graft body said.

The Ombudsman said the deal has caused undue injury to the PNP and the government, and resulted in grave damage to the institution since it was deprived of its new helicopters with engine warranties and longer serviceability.