Lionair clarifies: Helicopters sold to Maptra, not PNP

This is in reference to the article of Tina G. Santos that was published in Inquirer.net, “SC overrules AMLC in chopper deal case involving Mike Arroyo” (11/12/21).

Paragraph 7 states: “The seller, Lionair Inc., sold the helicopters as brand-new even if they were already used.”

We would like to clarify that Lionair Incorporated NEVER had any transaction with the Philippine National Police. Instead, the two subject helicopters were sold by Lionair to Manila Aerospace Products Trading or Maptra as pre-owned (second-hand) units.

On its own, Maptra offered and eventually sold the two helicopter units to the PNP.

We hope that you can clarify this matter in the article of Ms. Santos, which we find misleading and contradictory to the factual testimonies we offered to all inquiries and proceedings.

ARCHIBALD L. PO
President
Lionair Inc.

Reply from Tina G. Santos: My article was based on the decision and a separate statement issued by the Supreme Court. I stand by my story.