UP Ibalon Bicol: Pres. Gloria Arroyo’s foreign travels questioned

Pres. Gloria Arroyo’s foreign travels questioned

6/28/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

It’s not only how frequent Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo travels abroad that legislators question---but the sheer number of companions in those costly trips. These travels are suspected to be extensions of abuse and corruption.

According to Sen. Francis (Chiz) Escudero, the president went to at least 50 trips local and abroad lasting at least 130 days since 2001. In these travels, there are few benefits that trickle down to the Filipinos except the bloated claims of furthering “business relations, foreign investments, jobs for Filipinos, enhanced tourism, greater foreign economic assistance and other unspecified benefits.”

Imagine:

“In September 2004, the President turned a state visit to China into a family vacation with members of her family joining the delegation. The entourage also included 41 complementary staff from the Presidential Security Group and the Office of the Press Secretary as well as crews of state-owned broadcast stations, he said.

In December 2007, a contingent of close to 200 people that included more than 30 lawmakers joined President Arroyo in her trip to France, Spain and the United Kingdom.

In her latest overseas trip, the senator observed that Mrs. Arroyo is practically circumnavigating the world in just eight days in her latest overseas trip.
“President Arroyo’s on-going Manila-Tokyo-Los Angeles-Cartagena-Recife-Rio-Dubai-Hong Kong-Manila voyage is practically a circumnavigation of the globe. And she will be doing all of these in just eight days, Escudero said. ” Daily Tribune (O6/25/09, Rosales, A. M.)

Filipinos are known to pride themselves of their stints abroad---especially if they are paid for by taxpayer’s money and for reasons that are flimsy. Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo is no exception. She tags along friends and relatives no different than the ways of Imelda Marcos.

Many are wondering what hidden reasons the president of the Philippines has for leaving the country so often. It’s just right to investigate so the Filipinos will know.

Arroyo brings along many companions very characteristic of a politician who uses money of the government. She easily decides to make side-trips jacking up expenses that can better pay for budgets in underfunded public schools, hospitals, penitentiary, and orphanages back home.

For all the justifications the Arroyo administration gives, the stark reality is the government hardly can afford the waste and thus must cut down on these questionable trips. (Photo Credit: OustGloria) =0=

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Labels: Accountability, budget, Corruption, Corruption in Government, Escudero, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Sen. Francis Escudero, Totie Mesia, travel, traveler

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Pres. Gloria Arroyo’s foreign travels questioned

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