UP Ibalon Bicol: Keeping a tally on extravagance

Keeping a tally on extravagance

8/14/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

According to Daily Tribune, the following astounding expenses have emerged in the shameful travel of Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo last July-August 2008 to see Pres. Barack Obama.

The US delegation of Filipinos that included lawmaker(s) who just wanted to have a “photo-op” with the charismatic black US president numbered to about 65, explaining the humongous amount spent to underwrite the trip. Sen. Lito Lapid complained he did no have a chance to have a picture with Obama and rued over the poor ambience and service at Le Cirque Restaurant in NY.

The expenses below are just the tip of the iceberg that boggles the mind of the poor Filipinos back home. What the public doesn’t know may be wildly greater---and more deplorable. Except saying that there are rich congressmen who paid the dinners, Arroyo can't come up with a coherent explanation to justify the outrageous expenses. (Photo Credit: yummyinthetummyblog)

Waldorf Astoria Suite for GMA in NY..........…$3,500/ day (P168,210/day)
Waldorf Astoria Suite for Congressmen.........$950/day (P45,657/day)
(> 60 rooms were occupied)
Bobby Van Steakhouse, Washington, DC..........$15,000 (P750,000)
Le Cirque Restaurant, NY.........................$20,000 (P1,000,000)

"A congressional investigation must be immediately conducted on whether a series of criminal and administrative laws have been violated by the President not only during her recent travel to the US but also on her previous 50 travels since 2001."---- Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Neri Colmenares. Daily Tribune (08/14/09)

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Labels: extravagance, foreign travel, GMA, Le Cirque, Sen. Lito Lapid, Totie Mesia, Waldorf Astoria, Washington DC

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Keeping a tally on extravagance

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