Cover image via Paula Panganiban & SAYS Philippines
Incoming President Rody Duterte said that he plans to put the presidential yacht for sale once he assumes the position as president — to the highest bidder, said in an interview by GMA News to modernize the Veterans Memorial Medical Center.
He said after meeting with the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces Of The Philippines at the Hotel Elena.
He also wants all aircraft assigned to the Presidential Airlift Wing to be converted as "Air Ambulances."
The BRP Ang Pangulo was acquired by the Philippine government in 1959 as part of Japan's war reparations to the country. This yacht was first used by former President Carlos P. Garcia.
Image via ABS-CBNnews.com
The ship was named to RPS Lapu-Lapu and served as the flagship of the Philippine Navy. In 1962, former President Diosdado Macapagal ordered to convert the ship as transport ship after Manuel Roxas.
The vessel was later renamed RPS The President. President Ferdinand Marcos renamed the vessel as BRP Ang Pangulo and restored its use as the presidential yacht — and later renamed it to BRP Pagasa by former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
The Presidential Airlift Wing or the Bluebirds provide quick air transportation for the President and first family when visiting dignitaries and VIPs.
The use of presidential helicopters during the campaign went viral when pictures showing Kris Aquino — the President's sister — and her aides used Bell 142 chopper.
