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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Russia urges PH to honor military chopper deal

Russia urges PH to honor military chopper deal

Published Oct 20, 2022 02:46 pm

Russia has called on the Philippines to honor its deal to purchase military helicopters after it was scrapped by the latter supposedly in fear of US sanctions amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Speaking with reporters at his residence on Wednesday night, Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Marat Pavlov said Russia "is continuing to fulfill all the obligations" to provide the Philippines military choppers by continuous production, given the around P2 billion downpayment the latter already made.

In fact, one unit is ready for delivery in June, Pavlov added.

Photo courtesy of Russian Embassy in Manila

Russia did not take any step after reports that the Philippines decided to cancel the deal because it is "still waiting for the official declaration."

"Officially speaking, the Embassy didn't receive any official communication through the very known channel, for example, the diplomatic note. We didn't receive any note on this very important issue," Pavlov said, adding that the contract for Russia is "valid until now."

"Because we received the amount of the money, therefore fulfilling all the contractual obligations," he added.

In August, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel "Babe" Romualdez confirmed that the country, under the leadership of former President Duterte, scrapped its chopper purchase deal with Russia, although he clarified that there was no pressure that came from the US to do so.

Instead, it was only a "practical thing" for the Philippines because "it is cheaper for us in the end," he added.The plan to purchase military choppers was part of the country's military modernization program.

According to Romualdez, it was still a cheaper option for the country to just let go of its initial payment than suffering from the sanctions that could be imposed by the US and its western allies.

Meanwhile, the US State Department already coordinated with the Congress to make available to the Philippines 100 million US Dollars in foreign military financing, which the latter could use to "offset" its military modernization, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson told reporters.

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