Philippines President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. addresses the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York City on September 20, 2022. (AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — Gabriela Women’s Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas on Thursday slammed President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s request for a P1.408 billion budget for local and foreign trips next year.
“This exorbitant amount represents a 58 percent increase from the previous year’s budget, and it is unacceptable considering the pressing needs of the Filipino people. Ang daming naghihirap na mga Pilipino kaya nakakadismaya na gustong paglaanan ng malaking pondo ang gala sa ibang bansa na wala namang direktang naitutulong sa kalunos-lunos na sitwasyon ng bansa,” Brosas said in a statement.
(This exorbitant amount represents a 58 percent increase from the previous year’s budget, and it is unacceptable considering the pressing needs of the Filipino people. So many Filipinos are struggling so it is dismaying that a big budget is being eyed for foreign trips that do not directly help the pitiful situation of the country.)
Brosas added that Gabriela will closely monitor how the budget deliberations will proceed at the House of Representatives.
“The Filipino people deserve leaders who are accountable and transparent in the use of public funds. We will continue to scrutinize the proposed budget and advocate for a budget that truly serves the interests of the marginalized sectors,” she said.
In a separate press briefing, Budget SecretaryAmenah Pangandaman said that the proposed travel budget was justified to help market the Philippines as an investment hub.