FORMER Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Jesus Versoza has been cleared by the Sandiganbayan Seventh Division of graft cases on purchase of second-hand helicopters in 2009.
The Sandigan also ordered the lifting of the hold departure order against Versoza at the release of his cash bond.
However, others accused in the case were found guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
The decision was penned by Seventh Division chairperson Associate Justice Ma. Theresa Dolores Gomez-Estoesta and concurred in by Associate Justice Georgina Hidalgo.
The controversy involved the supposedly secondhand helicopters owned by former first gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo sold to the PNP as brand new in 2009.
In 2012, the Office of the Ombudsman ruled that the deal “caused undue injury” to the national government amounting to P34.6 million.
In July 2009, the PNP procured two Robinson R44 Raven 1 helicopters from Manila Aerospace Trading Corporation. The choppers were supplied to the firm by Lionair Inc., supposedly acting on Mr. Arroyo’s orders.
metrosundaily
