MANILA, Philippines -- Only five congressmen, not 42 as reported, ?might? join President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on her trip to Peru for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meet on November 22 and 23.

"I've not seen such a big delegation coming from the House of Representatives, and I don't think the President will feel comfortable bringing that number of officials," Nograles said at a news conference.

However, he said that the heads of House committees relevant to Arroyo's trip will most likely join her, since they have a role to play at the APEC meet.

At a separate news conference, Quezon Representative Danilo Suarez said he was not surprised if as many as 40 congressmen want to join Arroyo on her trip.

Suarez, chairman of the oversight committee, said he himself expressed his intention to join Arroyo and was given the go-signal by the presidential legislative liaison office to process his paper.

However, Suarez said he backed out Monday because he wants to be present in the preparation for the plebiscite on proposals to divide his province into two.

He said he regrets not being able to go with Arroyo as he agreed with observations that there are frequent travelers in the House who always go with the President.

Suarez said each congressman spend for his expenses during the trip.