President Benigno Aquino III during departure honors in NAIA2 for his official visit to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, followed by a state visit to the United States. At right is AFP Chief of Staff LtGen Jessie Dellosa. LYN RILLON/PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER
Manila, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III’s trip to the United Kingdom and the United States has been criticized by a Catholic prelate, calling it pure ‘gimmick’ for his upcoming State of the Nation Address.
In an interview over Radyo Inquirer 990 on Tuesday, retired Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz said Aquino’s trip was just meant to fool the public into thinking that he would bring back foreign investments for the country.
Cruz noted that it has been the habit of Presidents to boast foreign investments and investors when millions of Filipinos are suffering from poverty.
Reports said Aquino’s trip to the UK and the US costs the government P87.1 million.