The Philippines is set to own a new United States-built jet estimated at P2 billion.
The Gulfstream G280, set for delivery next year, will be used “in the event of a crisis situation,” according to Arsenio Andolong, director of the Department of National Defense’s Public Affairs Service.
The G280 is also designed to carry out various missions to include mercy flights for wounded soldiers and critically ill civilians needing further hospital treatment. The executive jet could be used to fly the President and other government officials on official trips around the country. Presidential Spokesman Salvador and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana defended that the brand new jet is a “necessity” since it will be used by government officials during crisis situations.
US-based Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation earlier announced that the Philippine Air Force (PAF) has forged a contract through the US government to buy a brand new G280 jet, including parts, tooling and contractor logistics support. The new aircraft will reportedly be delivered in August next year.
Panelo said it was Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, not President Duterte, who pushed for the purchase of the new aircraft. Lorenzana pointed out the aircraft is not intended to be a presidential plane but a command and control aircraft of senior defense and military leaders in times of crisis.
He also rejected allegations the government has spent public funds just for the comfort of the President and other senior public officials.“Hindi naman comfort iyon. Komportable ba iyon? (It’s not for comfort. Is that comfortable?),” he said. He further explained that the modern aircraft would serve as “an airborne command post” for top government officials during crisis situations.
“It has a capability better than the ordinary like it requires a short runway,” he added.
With the purchase of the Gulfstream jet, Panelo admitted that this may signal other military acquisition from the United States. “Since we started one, that will be the logical consequence,” he said.
Last June, the President said the country may purchase weapons and other military hardware from the United States in case it needs a particular type of arsenal. The President decided to reconsider the United States as one of the country’s arms suppliers after affirming that he respects US President Donald Trump and the country’s alliance with the western ally. “We’ll buy if we think we need that kind of particular (equipment),” Duterte said.
Critics said the Duterte administration is spending huge sums for the comfort of officials while ordinary Filipinos are experiencing hardships due to what has been called a “transport crisis.” Malacañang also justified the acquisition, saying they would enable security forces to respond to crisis situations.
With additional reports: philstar.com, mb.com, and abs-cbn.com
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