1 Helicopter For P1.9-Billion Down Payment?
Instead of clawing back the down payment for the canceled helicopter deal with Russia, House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan urged the defense department to try to get at least one unit plus spare parts delivered in return for the money.
As the Philippines is unlikely to get back its P1.9-billion down payment for a canceled helicopter deal with Russia, it may just opt to settle for the delivery of at least one of 16 heavy lift units covered by the agreement, according to House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan.
The Duterte administration canceled the P12.7-billion deal in June before it stepped down. Then Department of National Defense (DND) chief Delfin Lorenzana announced the cancellation in July, a decision made out of concern over possible US sanctions due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“Instead of clawing back the down payment for the canceled order – which might be difficult, if not impossible – we would urge the DND to try to get at least one helicopter plus spare parts delivered in return for the money,” Libanan said on Monday, Oct. 24.
“This way, the Philippine government’s money does not go to waste, and Russia does not have to worry about reimbursing us the funds. This is a practical and sensible solution that could offer both parties a happy ending,” the congressman from 4Ps party-list said.
“Based on the canceled order, each helicopter costs around P800 million, and the balance of P1.1 billion may be recovered in the form of supplies of spare parts,” Libanan pointed out.
During deliberations on the proposed 2023 national budget last month, Libanan sought an update on the helicopter purchase contract.
The DND, through budget sponsor Negros Occidental Rep. Mercedes Alvarez, told lawmakers that the government remained unsure if it could still recover the P1.9-billion advance payment.
The Russian helicopters were meant to boost the Philippine Air Force’s fleet for the transport of troops, equipment and supplies, as well as for medical evacuation and disaster relief operations.
Each helicopter can carry 24 soldiers, or 12 stretchers, as well as small vehicles. With an internal payload capacity of four tons, the aircraft can also alternatively carry up to three tons of underslung loads.
