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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PAF denies VP Sara using choppers from Manila-Davao daily

PAF denies VP Sara using choppers from Manila-Davao daily

Published Sep 15, 2022 11:55 am

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) denied on Thursday, Sept. 15, that Vice President Sara Duterte has been using its choppers for transportation from Manila to her home in Davao City.

PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said it is illogical to use choppers from Manila to Davao City since the travel time alone requires almost half a day.

"I myself am a presidential helicopter pilot and if we are going to use our helicopters from Manila to Davao, it will take almost more than half a day to travel because of the need for stops for refuel," said Castillo in an interview over CNN Philippines.

Duterte, who is also the secretary of the Department of Education, was bashed in the social media over her birthday post to President Bongbong Marcos, Jr. whom he said has been allowing her to use choppers of the 250th Presidential Air Wing for her be with her child in their house in Davao City.

But the camp of the Vice President denied that she has been using PAF choppers daily.

Castillo also denied the allegation: "We (in the PAF) can attest that our helicopters are not being used everyday."

Castillo, however, said that any sitting Vice President has the right to avail of PAF's 250th Presidential Air Wing for official function as long as a process of request and approval is granted by the Office of the President.

"The utilization of our helicopters and fixed wing aircraft is authorized for the official function of the Vice President especially if there is a directive from the Office of the President to allow the Vice President and cabinet secretaries to use our presidential aircraft.

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