New aircraft not a presidential plane — Lorenzana

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana yesterday justified the government’s procurement of a Gulfstream G280 aircraft, saying the plane is  a necessary component in the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

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.

“The President has stated from the beginning that he does not want the procurement of an executive jet for his own use. The justification of its procurement says so: ‘For Command and Control,’ which was approved by the senior defense and military leaders last year,” he said.

The Gulfstream G280 is scheduled for delivery next year by its American defense contractor to the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

Lorenzana said the G280 will enhance the military’s communication capabilities on air, land and sea.

The G280 is seen as a luxury aircraft but it has been reconfigured and fitted with command and control equipment that can link up with other command control platforms currently being used by the defense and military establishments.

“Let me emphasize that we do not consider the G280 as a luxury aircraft. This particular aircraft is being acquired for the purpose of enhancing our technological capabilities,” Lorenzana said.

He added the G280 type of aircraft is best suited for the needs of the AFP for 24/7 real-time command and control, especially during crisis situations. 

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.

“Will the President be using it? Of course and we prefer that he use it for his safety and protection. This will give us the confidence and assurance of his security as the plane will be manned and maintained by PAF personnel,” Lorenzana said.

More than any president before him, Duterte travels around the country frequently and in all kinds of weather conditions, Lorenzana said.

He added the purchase of the American-made Gulfstream is proof that, in keeping  with the current government’s independent foreign policy, the Philippines continue to maintain good relations with the US while developing friendships with Russia and China.

“The Filipino people can rest assured that, contrary to what is being passed around in an obvious attempt to discredit the national leadership, the acquisition of the Gulfsream aircraft is not a frivolous pursuit, but rather the result of careful planning with due consideration to the needs of the Armed Forces,” Lorenzana 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.