Former First Gentleman Charged of Corruption

Graft charges were filed Thursday against former First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo, former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno, and former Philippine National Police Chief Director General Jesus Versoza before the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with the purchase by the PNP of two used choppers in 2009.

Also charged were 16 PNP officers.

In the complaint filed by three senators, Arroyo and his co-respondents were accused of conspiring with each other in defrauding the government of P62.67 million through the purchase of two used helicopters passed off as brand-new.

“Jose Miguel Arroyo conspired with the private individuals and officers of the PNP and this conspiracy violates the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Government Procurement Act,’’ the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee stated in its findings, the basis of the complaint.

“It is quite clear that these helicopters were used extensively by the Arroyos during the 2004 elections. From the time these were imported into the Philippines until the time that these were sold to the PNP, the Arroyos used them repeatedly, extensively, and fully. Walang kaduda-duda (No doubt),” Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Teofisto L. Guingona III said.

“It is clear that Mike Arroyo, as the true owner of the helicopters, took advantage of the PNP and robbed the Filipino people of 62 million pesos for used helicopters,” Guingona added.

Read the rest of the story at MB.com.ph