MR. Roilo Golez proposes the purchase of at least a hundred UH-1 helicopters, better known as Hueys, in order to fulfill Mrs. Arroyo’s order to shut down the insurgency/ies (?) in three years. See “Solon pushes for purchase of 100 Hueys for combat missions.”
He gives a convincing argument, but while I have no wish to impugn on Mr. Golez’s character, I wish to remind one and all that purchases such as this have been sources of graft and corruption in most administrations.
Notwithstanding, if according to this former military officer’s estimates, the purchase will greatly help the anti-insurgency efforts, then let’s do it.
However, that should be the short term.
The long term should be to enable the Philippines to build its own equipment, from firearms to jet planes, a capability that is sure to generate employment, and eventually, help fight the insurgency itself and strengthen the Philippine economy.
Skeptics will pout and laugh but what do they have to propose in turn ?
Continue buying in the ukay-ukay world market ?
Let’s find ways and means to employ the thousands of engineering graduates we churn out of our schools year after year, and eventually build up a generation of Filipinos that do not look to “employment abroad” as the end-all of their education.
Just my two cents’ worth.
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September 2nd, 2007 at 7:49 am
Why buy junk? We have many brand new expensive cars at the customs depots. Arm these and bring all to the war fronts. That saves the govt the demolition job. Or they can capture some. That should also remove some of their stresses.
August 30th, 2007 at 2:43 pm
Easier said than done. We import toothpicks from China, let’s learn how to make toothpick first before we attampt to learn how to make the helicopter. Goles proposal is more realistic even if Hueys are junk. But junk is it that our pocket can afford. Or, would we rather buy the F8s fighter to bombard those Abus? Still, I salute beepbeep for his noble proposal. Cheers!
August 29th, 2007 at 9:48 am
Someone made an innovation in helicopter design. To our later surprise, he had seized an airport tower held it as “hostage” due to the innovator’s disgust in individuals in government who have always blocked his proposal. Just at the time he had given his intent to surrender to media and expose the anomalies, his position was raided and was shot and killed. There goes an innovator, dead men tell no tales. To top it all he was a former supporter of the current administration. Thus, the fate of those who wish to expose anomalies. Shades of Musa Dimasidsing.
Bureaucrats find imported items more lucrative for their personal pockets that is why it would be an uphill battle for those who wish to promote indigenous technologies or request for R&D allocations here in the Philippines. It would likely be blocked unless you give them a “share” in earnings.
August 29th, 2007 at 1:38 am
I agree with you.I think the AFP has already an R&D section based on Self Reliance Program.I think more private sector involvement is needed.