MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had spent P2.7 billion for her foreign trips since 2001, or P1.6 billion more than the P1.1 billion budgeted for the period, a lawmaker said Friday, citing what he said were records from the Commission on Audit.

In an interview with radio dzMM, Bukidnon Representative Teofisto Guingona said Ms Arroyo spent P722 million for foreign trips in 2008 alone, or nearly three times the P244 million allocation for the year.

Citing COA records, Guingona also said Ms Arroyo exceeded her P800 million contingent fund budget in 2008 by P120 million in alleged violation of government spending rules.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer texted several Malacanang officials, including Press Secretary Cerge Remonde and Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya, for comments but there was no immediate reaction from them.

Speaker Prospero Nograles, asked about Guingona's allegations, told reporters: "We will ask Guingona to ask questions on the matter during the deliberations on the 2010 budget."