Media offered chance to join test ride of controversial PAF choppers

To debunk the allegation that the refurbished UH-ID helicopters purchased by the Department of National Defense (DND) were defective, the department is offering media a free ride on the aircraft.

“This is to debunk once and for all the allegations that the helicopters are defective, cannot fly, and they are not mission-capable,” said DND public affairs service director Arsenio Andolong on Monday.

The flight demonstration is scheduled on Tuesday in Camp Aguinaldo.

During the demonstration, members of the media will board the aircraft for an aerial tour of Camp Aguinaldo and nearby areas to have a feel of the aircraft and its features.

The purchase of the aircraft was marred with controversy after Rhodora Alvarez, a former agent of the seller, Rice Aircraft Services Inc., alleged that the choppers were defective, and that the bidding was manipulated to favor the California-based firm.

In December 2013, the DND awarded the P1.26 billion contract to Rice for the delivery of 21 UH-ID helicopters to boost the light-lift capability of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

However, Rice only delivered seven aircraft as of October last year, in violation of the agreement.

This prompted the DND to partially terminate the contract.

Rice was supposed to complete the delivery of the 21 aircraft within 180 calendar days upon the opening of the Letter Credit. Officials said the Letter of Credit was opened on March 27 last year.

Andolong said after trying the UH-IDs, the mediamen will also be asked to board UH-IH helicopters “so they can feel the difference of the two aircraft.”

The UH-1Ds are said to be inferior compared to the UH-IH aircraft, he added. —KBK, GMA News