DND: COA suspends audit, not the purchase

From Ang Malaya (Jun 26): DND: COA suspends audit, not the purchase

The Department of National Defense clarified today that the Commission on Audit (COA) scheduled audit was the one suspended and not the actual purchase of 12 FA-50 jets from South Korea and 8 Bell 412EP helicopters from Canada, following the issuance of Notice of Suspension from COA.

“For the information of the general public, the Commission on Audit (COA) has not suspended the acquisition projects for the 12 Jet Aircraft from South Korea, the eight Bell 412EP Helicopters from Canada, and the 21 UH-1 helicopters,” the defense department said today.

“The COA merely suspended their scheduled audit pending the submission of additional requirements and data from the Department of National Defense (DND). Thus, the acquisition of the Bell 412 helicopters and the FA-50 jets are ongoing,” DND added.

COA said in a statement “our Notice of Suspension does not in any way affect the delivery of the fighter jets from Korea.”

“We assure the Filipino public that all transactions in the Department are aboveboard, transparent, and in compliance with the rules and regulations as prescribed by law,” the defense department noted.

First two FA-50s are scheduled to be delivered before the year ends, while two of eight Bell 412EP already arrived early this month. The 21 UH-1 helicopter deal was partially terminated with eight delivered.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/06/26/11732-dnd-coa-suspends-audit-not-the-purchase