President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered the immediate cancellation of the purchase of a Presidential jet despite an earlier recommendation by the Presidential Airlift Wing (PAW).
Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said this was not the first time the President had ordered the cancellation of the said purchase.
Under the present arrangement, the PAW needs at least two (2) fixed-wing jets for every presidential engagement (one primary/one back-up aircraft). With only one fixed-wing jet available, (F-28 jet), the Office of the President has to charter civilian aircraft to address the airlift requirements of the President.
According to Remonde, the President ordered the cancellation in order to quell criticism that the purchase of a new Presidential jet was solely for her use when in fact, it would benefit her successor when she leaves office in 2010. (PIA)
