THE controversial P1.2-billion UH-1 helicopter project that a whistleblower exposed through The Manila Times and is now the subject of a Senate blue ribbon investigation was key in exposing infirmities in the procurement process of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), a senator said on Thursday.

According to Francis Escudero, the AFP procurement process is “too supplier-driven” and has relied heavily on suppliers rather than the demand or needs of the military in order to improve its performance.