Erap’s Plane Radar Conks Out On Takeoff

The Manila Times
September 5, 1998
News

MALACAÑANG was forced to rent a 135-seater Philippine Airlines domestic aircraft to take President Estrada, some members of his Cabinet and a handful of reporters to Iligan City in Lanao del Norte, after the presidential F-28 plane suffered mechanical problems hours before its scheduled take-off.

The plane’s weather radar system conked out a few hours before the President’s scheduled departure from Villamor Air Base at 8:30 a.m. Iligan City was the first leg of Estrada’s three-day trip to northern Mindanao, his first since assuming the presidency in June 30.

Lt. Gen. William Hotchkiss, Philippine Air Force (PAF) chief, said the repair of the F-28 was delayed because some parts were not readily available.  The Fokker plane belonging to the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing remained grounded as of 1:30 p.m. yesterday.

Estrada and his party had to hire a PAL plane since the presidential back-up plane, an F-27 Fokker, was being used by First Lady Loi Ejercito-Estrada for a medical mission, Palace officials said.

Hoping for discounts

PAL sources said Estrada’s chartered flight would cost government about P330,000.  This does not include any additional expenses that may be incurred if the 737 aircraft parks in Cagayan de Oro’s Lumbia airport and stays there until the presidential plane is repaired.

Details of the arrangement between PAL and the Office of the President were not disclosed to reporters.  A PAL official, however, said government is usually given big discounts by the airline company and might readily do so in Estrada’s case since the carrier’s major stockholder, Lucio Tan, is a good friend.  Tan was one of Estrada’s major campaign donors in the last elections.

Estrada and his party were in Iligan City to inspect government projects and conduct dialogues with residents in the areas.  From Iligan, they were scheduled to fly by helicopter to Pagadian City and Zamboanga del Sur.

Estrada is scheduled to fly to Malaybalay, Bukidnon and General Santos City today to meet with local leaders and inspect government projects.  He will also grace the cityhood anniversary of General Santos City tonight.

He will meet with officials of the South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City growth area tomorrow, before leaving for Manila.