Benigno spends big on attending regional summits
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Despite the ongoing furore over the allocation of "pork barrel" funds to lawmakers in May 2012, Philippine President Benigno Aquino is spending an eye-watering 14.3 million pesos (Bt10.4 million) to participate in two regional summits.
The president left on a chartered flight on Sunday morning for Bali, Indonesia to attend the 21st Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Meeting and CEO Summit from October 6 to 8.
Joining him was an 84-member delegation, including Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Cabinet Secretary to the President Jose Rene Almendras, Presidential Management Staff head Julia Andrea Abad and Presidential Protocol chief Celia Anna Feria.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Strategic Communications Secretary Ramon Carandang flew to the island before the delegation arrived. The president and the same delegation will later fly to Brunei Darussalam to attend the 23rd Asean Summit and Related Meetings from October 9 to 10.
Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr said the government had earmarked 14.3 million pesos for the president’s participation in the two summits.
This will cover expenses for transportation, accommodation, food and equipment, among others, for Aquino and the delegation, he said.
“I think we’ve had lower [budget] but it’s safe to say that this is a lesser amount … considering this is essentially two trips,’’ deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said.
Before flying out on Sunday, the president was dogged by criticism for approving the release of additional “pork barrel” to senators and representatives after the conviction of Chief Justice Renato Corona in May 2012.
