The proposed P1.408-billion fund for the President's local and foreign trips is justified as the Philippines needs to actively promote foreign investments.

Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman pointed this out when asked about the funds intended for local, foreign missions and state visits of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. for 2024.

In justifying the proposed allocation, which grew to 58 percent than the P893.87-million asked by the Office of the President in 2023, Pangandaman stressed that the President's trips are key to bringing the country back to the priority list of major foreign investors.

"When I was asked previously dun sa SONA kung ano po sa tingin ko ang nagawa ng this administration in a short time (When I was asked previously during the President's State of the Nation Address on what I think this administration has done in a short time), I think (it is) to bring us back to the map (as) an investment hub and opportunity for other countries," the Budget Secretary said.

She noted that not only the President but "even the economic managers have been going out of the country to present the Philippines as an investment hub."

"I think yung expenses ng travel as long as it will be beneficial and mas may advantage po para sa bansa natin, I think okay lang po yun (I think  as long as it will be beneficial and more advantageous for the country, the expenses of travel will be okay). It's justified," Pangandaman said.

This year, Marcos has undertaken seven foreign travels, including his trip to the United Kingdom for the coronation of King Charles III in May.

The allocation the President was asking from the Congress was recently made public through the proposed 2024 budget or the National Expenditure Program.

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by BETHEENA UNITE

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