The Philippine government can’t reverse the decision of the previous administration not to push through with the contract for the purchase of 16 military heavy-lift helicopters from Russia, President Ferdinand R. Marcos said on Thursday, adding that another helicopter manufacturer has already been selected.

The chief executive made the remark after the media asked him about the helicopter deal with Russia following his attendance at the 48th Philippine Business Conference and Exposition (PBC&E) organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) at the Manila Hotel.

“I think it has already been determined. It was already determined by the previous administration that that deal will not carry through, will not go on,” Marcos told reporters.

“At so mayroon na tayong ginawa, we have already — the deal with Russia was for some heavy-lift helicopters and now we have secured an alternative supplier from the United States through the manufacturer Poland — in any case, we have — mayroon na tayong kapalit,” he added.

But since the government made a down payment, the President said he hopes it could be recouped by negotiating with the Russian chopper maker to at least get back a percentage of the initial payment.

The administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte canceled the helicopter deal due to fears of possible U.S. sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February.

Russia wants the Philippine government to honor the signed contract for the chopper purchase. (PND)