Palace spends P8.8M for Aquino’s one-day Japan trip

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, left, and Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attend a joint news conference at the prime minister’s official residence in Tokyo, Tuesday, June 24, 2014. AP

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang said the government spent P8.8 million for President Benigno Aquino III’s one-day trip to Japan on Tuesday.

“The government is spending around P8.8 million for President Benigno S. Aquino III’s working visit to Japan that is expected to build a stronger alliance between the two Asian neighbors,” Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said in a statement.

The budget includes costs of transportation, accommodation, food and equipment for Aquino and his 41-member delegation.

Aquino, who left on a chartered flight on Tuesday morning, was joined by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda, Presidential Management Staff Chief Julia Andrea Abad and Presidential Protocol Chief Celia Anna Feria.

“The meeting between President Aquino and (Japan) Prime Minister (Shinzo) Abe is envisioned to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan in many areas, including maritime cooperation, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, as well as trade and investments,” Ochoa said.

Aquino first met with Abe before attending a conference hosted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica).

The two heads of state expressed gratitude for the support of each other and emphasized the importance of regional stability. Both countries are facing maritime disputes with China.

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