Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III — SENATE PRIB file photo
MANILA, Philippines — The higher travel funding for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s office is reflective of the administration’s plans for 2024, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III pointed out on Wednesday, but he also warned the President about pressing concerns that are now “more local.”
“If the president intends to travel more, then so be it. But he should be aware that our people’s problems are more local than he thinks,” said Pimentel in a text message on Wednesday.
READ: Marcos travel fund up 58% at P1.408 billion
He particularly pointed out the country’s need to produce its own goods rather than focusing on importing.
READ: Food production should be national priority
“Food production means we need to produce more food from our own land. Food importation is not the same as food production,” Pimentel stressed.
Under the General Appropriations Act of 2024, Marcos’ travel budget for next year amounts to P1.408 billion — a number relatively higher than his office’s funding for 2023 which totals to P893.57 million.