PSG gets new fleet of SUVs

If only everything else in the Palace would also start running smoothly from now on.

The Presidential Security Group (PSG) has replaced its entire 14-year-old fleet of presidential escort vehicles with brand-new Nissan Patrols worth P23 million, following numerous mechanical breakdowns involving the old vehicles during high-speed convoy travel.

PSG chief Col. Romeo Prestoza said the old white Nissan Safaris often break down during sorties, risking accidents to people and creating security nightmares for Mrs. Arroyo’s guards and escorts.

"There are dangerous security implications if the convoy vehicles break down, especially when we are on the move," Prestoza told The STAR. "The President might not only miss her schedules or be late for her public engagements, but breakdowns can also cause accidents to the President and people and motorists nearby."

He said each of the old Safaris has traveled more than 200,000 kilometers each on average.

Prestoza said the shiny black Patrols were ordered by the Office of the President in the second quarter of the year and were delivered last month. Each cost about P2.3 million.

He said maintenance costs of the old fleet were skyrocketing because of their age and repeated mechanical breakdown.

The old escort fleet was purchased during the administration of former President Fidel Ramos.

Mrs. Arroyo has been reportedly under threat from rightist and leftist rebels since she assumed office in 2001. She has managed to stave off several destabilization attempts including the July 2003 Oakwood mutiny and the alleged coup attempt last February.