MANILA, Philippines -- Three senators have decided to skip the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) general assembly in South Africa amid criticism that it looked like junket time for lawmakers.
But Senate President Manuel Villar Jr., who leads the chamber’s contingent, defended the trip, saying it was a “good opportunity” to seek advice from lawmakers from advanced countries on how to lick the looming food crisis.
“We have to maximize our membership in this prestigious organization. They (representatives from developed countries) can share their expertise in irrigation, coastal resource management, modern farm practices and appropriate crop nutrition and protection methods,” he said.
Joining Villar are Senators Francis Pangilinan, Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, Aquilino Pimentel Jr., Gregorio Honasan, Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano.
Three of the 10 senators originally invited -- Senators Panfilo Lacson, Francis Escudero and Ramon Revilla Jr. -- have opted not to join the trip.
No need to go
Lacson was non-equivocal on his decision to snub the event.
“There are enough lions and crocodiles in Malacańang, even more than enough ‘see-no-evil, hear-no-evil, speak-no-evil’ monkeys in the Cabinet. I need not go to South Africa to see them. The fact is, I am not going,” he said in a statement.
But no principled stand was forthcoming from the two other senators.
Revilla will stay so he can personally attend to the wedding of his daughter planned for next month. Escudero has decided to stay because he had to babysit his daughters.
“I am out of Africa and will just be here in Manila sweltering in the summer heat like the millions others. I can’t take a leave from my babysitting duties on account of a hold-departure order by my wife,” Escudero said. Gil Cabacungan
