SC finds ex-SAF chief guilty over helicopter purchase

The Supreme Court has reversed and set aside a ruling that cleared former Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) chief Leocadio Santiago Jr. over the purchase of second-hand helicopters that were passed off as brand new in 2009.

In a 14-page notice, the Supreme Court granted the petition for review filed by the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) that challenged Santiago’s acquittal. 

The SC also reinstated an earlier resolution of the OMB that found Santiago guilty of serious dishonesty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service and imposed the penalty of dismissal.

“To the court, there is no basis to hold public officers to such a low standard when no less than the Constitution commands that public officers must at all times be accountable to the people. serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency, act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives,” the Court said.

The Court said that in 2008, the Philippine National Police planned to buy three helicopters through public bidding.

According to the court, there were three unsuccessful biddings. Though the PNP-Bids and Awards Committee tried to instead enter into a negotiation with potential sellers, this also fell through.

Due to this, Santiago submitted a memorandum requesting the immediate procurement of at least one equipped light police operational helicopter (LPOHs) and two standard LPOHs instead of the original three LPOHs.

However, it was later found that the two standard helicopters delivered by Manila Aerospace Products and Trading (MAPTRA) were not brand new and that the warranties for the engines had long expired.

The Court said that Santiago’s liability is based on his attestation that MAPTRA was a capable supplier of helicopters despite documentary submissions that prove otherwise.

“Significantly, the foregoing findings of the OMB were based on documents that were readily available to respondent and the entire PNP-BAC and PNP-NC,” the Court said. 

“Had respondent bothered to actually review these documents and exercised the diligence expected of a public official, the irregularities pertaining to MAPTRA’s qualifications could have been flagged,” it added.

 Meanwhile, the Supreme Court said that it is “fully convinced” that Santiago’s actions “tarnished the image and integrity” of the PNP. 

“His flimsy defense that he merely relied on the representations of the other committees and his superiors and that it would be ‘impossible’ to require him to scrutinize each and every process at a time when he was engaged in police operations, further reflects the unacceptable standard that was applied to his public office,” it said. —LDF, GMA Integrated News