The Preused Ravens Helicopters Controversy

MANILA

THE SENATE Blue Ribbon Committee as of this writing continue its investigation on the controversial P105-million purchase of three helicopters, two of which had been allegedly owned and used by former First Gentleman Jose Miguel "Mike" Arroyo, that the Philippine National Police (PNP) made in 2009.

COMPANIES INVOLVED

Asian Spirit; Lion Air. Owned by Archibald Po. Purportedly the exclusive distributor of the Raven helicopters manufactured by Robinsons.

Manila Aerospace Trading Corporation. President: Hilario de Vera. The exclusive marketing arm of Asian Spirit and Lion Air.

LTA Incorporated. President and Chairman: FG Jose Miguel Arroyo.

ARROYO STAND

Arroyo maintains that he does not own the two used Raven helicopters.

      

TESTIMONIAL EVIDENCES

1. Sia Testimony: LTA sent a total of $1.5 million to Robinsons Helicopter (California) for the purchase of five Raven helicopters from late 2003 to early 2004. [Renato Sia is the general manager of Lion Air]

2. Solano-Juguan Testimony: For the past seven years she went to the LTA office every month to receive money in cash for the maintenance and other operating expenses for the four helicopters, two of which had been sold to the PNP. The fifth had earlier crashed. In these visits she would exchange pleasantries with former FG while she counted money given by Rowena del Rosario (LTA accountant). [Edith Solano-Juguan is an employee of Lion Air.]

3. Lazo Testimony: He received instructions through text from Mr. Arroyo on who should be allowed to use the helicopters and their destinations. [Domingo Lazo is a Lion Air dispatcher.]

4. Silvestre & Labastilla Testimonies: They piloted the helicopters with Mr. Arroyo and members of teh Arroyo family as passengers in 2004. They would usually land at an exclusive Malacañang helipad. [Dennis Silvestre and Margarito Labastilla are pilots of Lion Air.]

DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCES

1. LTA Telephone Numbers: AThe telephone numbers written on the documents at SEC and the $500,000 Banco de Oro direct wire transfer from LTA Inc. are the same. The LTA Incorporated SEC registration papers showed its telepone number as 8172709. The telephone number on top of the BDO Herrera branch direct wire transfer made on 11 December 2009 to Robins (a faxed copy sent to Lion Air) is also 8172709.

UPDATES

Arroyo filed perjury charges against Archibald Po: ASenate President Juan Ponce Enrile extended Po and Hilario Vera immunity from suits.
Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Submitted Findings to the Ombudsman: On 15 December 2011, SBRC found former FG Miguel Arroyo and several incumbet PNP officials liable for violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. FG Arroyo received the $700 million proceeds from the sale of said choppers.

Sources

Reyes, Karl JohnC: "Mike Arroyo, Others Liable for Chopper Mess," InterAksyon 15 December 2011
Casayuran, Mario B: "Proof vs FG mounts" Manila Bulletin 12 August 2011