Word of Honor, Russian helicopter deal
By Nidz Godino
“We are ready to fulfill all our obligations as reliable partner of Philippine side in the field of technical military cooperation, and we consider that also be done by the Philippines,” Moscow’s ambassador to Manila, Marat Pavlov said Russia wants Philippine government to honor signed contract to purchase 16 military heavy-lift helicopters, the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte had canceled due to fears of possible US sanctions.
Pavlov, told reporters Philippine government has not officially notified Russia of its decision to cancel the deal and Russian company was proceeding to manufacture Mi-17 helicopters after Philippines made an initial payment. Filipino pilots, who would operate helicopters, have undergone Russian training, he said.
The Russian aircraft manufacturer was ready to deliver one of the helicopters in June, “but unfortunately, it was not accepted by your government,” the ambassador said.
There was no immediate comment from Philippine government, but the Department of National Defense has said that after the decision to terminate Russian helicopter deal was made, government committee would be convened to thresh out details and work to recover unspecified amount paid by Philippine government to the Russian company. The Russians can appeal, but there is little room for Philippine government to reconsider, a defense official said.
“I know that in any contract, it should be mentioned how it could be solved in case one of the parties would like to cancel,” Pavlov said and expressed hope the issue could be resolved.
The decision to cancel contract, which was approved by Duterte, was made amid concerns over possible Western sanctions, which could include restrictions that would slow down bank transfers of massive income Filipino workers send home from US and other Western countries, among other possible problems, according to Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez.
Romualdez has said Washington did not pressure Philippines to drop P12.7-billion ($215 million) deal with Russians.
But following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, countries that purchase Russian defense equipment could face Western sanctions, he said.
“I think it was really prudent specially for President Duterte to approve cancellation of that contract because it can save us lot of trouble,” Romualdez told Manila-based foreign correspondents.
A US offer to sell Boeing CH-47 Chinooks, which was discussed last year by former Defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana and his American counterpart, Lloyd Austin, could be considered to replace Russian helicopter deal, Romualdez said.
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