Philippines president says he wants to axe multimillion-dollar deal to buy Canadian helicopters

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte says he wants to cancel a multimillion-dollardeal to buy 16 helicopters from Canada, just days after Ottawa ordered a review of the sale.

"So this is my reaction. I want to tell the armed forces to cut the deal ... and somehow we will look for another supplier. We respect the stand of Canada," he said during a media briefing Friday morning.

At one point during thebriefing,Duterteasks someone inaudience how many helicopters his country is buying from Canada.

Earlier this week, Reuters reportedthe Philippines inked a $233-million deal to buy Montreal-built Bell helicopters. Other reports said the deal was worth up to $300 million.TheCanadian Commercial Corporation, whichfacilitatedthe deal, wouldn't confirm the cost.

Philippine president directs military to cancel chopper deal with Canada

7 years ago

Duration 0:57

'Do not buy any more from Canada or the United States,' says Rodrigo Duterte

The Liberal government had defended the deal, which is being facilitated by the Canadian Commercial Corp., arguing the Montreal-built Bell helicopters would be used during search-and-rescue missions and disaster relief.

But International Trade Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne announced Wednesday he had ordered a review of the deal, which was finalized in December, after a senior member of the Philippinesmilitary said the aircraft would also be used in "internal security operations."

"The president's troubling comments only underscore the confusion and contradictions that have emerged recently on the intended end use of the helicopters," said a spokesperson for Champagne on Friday.

"That is precisely why the minister ordered a review and that process will continue."

'Guided by' principles

Quebec's Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation Dominique Anglade said a differentprocesshas to be followed if a helicopteris going to be used in a militarycapacity.

"Obviously the declaration that was made today clearly stipulated it was more for military reasons," she toldCBC.

"There's no question that from an economy perspective we would love Bell helicopter to be able to sell everywhere in the world, but there are some constraints and we have to be guided by our principles."

Philippine Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana tried to reassure officials that the helicopters wouldn't be used to attack rebels.

But on Friday,Duterteseemed to contradict his minister, saying if the helicopters can't be used against terrorists, "then prepare for the eventual collapse of this country."

News of the sale causedsome in Canada to raise concerns overDuterte'shuman rights record.

Lametti on review of Bell Helicopter deal

7 years ago

Duration 1:02

Lametti on review of Bell Helicopter deal

Amnesty International Canada asked whether a human rights assessment was conducted for the Philippines deal, and if any provisions arein place to ensure the helicopters are used properly.