MANILA - The Philippine Air Force (PAF) said the PHP12.7 billion allocated earlier for the acquisition of the Russian-made Mil-17 heavy-lift helicopter could be utilized to acquire the Boeing-manufactured CH-47 "Chinook". PAF spokesperson, Col. Maynard Mariano, made this remark when asked if there is a need for another budget should the "Chinook" be deemed by the technical working group (TWG) as qualified per the Air Force's requirements. "They will have to work on the same budget," he said in a message to the Philippine News Agency Wednesday night. The PHP12.7 billion fund was allocated to supposedly acquire 16 to 17 units of the Mil Mi-17 with the contract signed in November last year. At present, Mariano said the TWG is looking at the feasibility of the American-made helicopter for the PAF's heavy-lift helicopter requirement. "The study will be done and is now being done by the TWG," he said. Earlier, Mariano said it is up to the TWG to determine whether "Chinook" heavy-lift helicopters are fit for the military's requirements. "If there is an offer, it will be for the TWG(s) to evaluate if it will fit the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines)'s requirement," he added. Reports said the US will be offering the "Chinook" to the Philippines at a special price. The Department of National Defense (DND) earlier said it is now formalizing the cancellation of the Mil Mi-17 contract with Russian firm SOVTECHNOEXPORT LLC. DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said the agency's Contract Termination and Review Committee (CTRC), which will undertake the appropriate processes and exercise due diligence in formalizing the termination of the project's contract, has already been reconstituted. "We are also preparing to initiate a diplomatic dialogue with the Russian side regarding matters arising from the project's cancellation," Andolong said. He added that "changes in priorities necessitated by global political developments resulted in the cancellation of the project by the previous administration." Andolong said the CTRC will also take on the issues concerning the DND's down payment amounting to PHP1.9 billion. A heavy-lift helicopter is a type of rotary aircraft capable of lifting large numbers of personnel or cargo, an asset the PAF needs to beef up its fleet and humanitarian disaster response capabilities. The CH-47 is among Western-made helicopters that have a high lifting capacity. It can carry up to 24,000 lbs. of cargo and personnel. (PNA) }