Nagpaliwanag ang Malakanyang sa pagtaas ng gastos ng Office of the President (OP) sa mga pagbiyahe sa loob at labas ng bansa ni Pangulong Marcos Jr.
Sa ulat ng Commission on Audit (CA), umabot sa P403 milyon ang gastos ng OP noong 2022 kumpara sa P36.8 milyon na gastos noong 2021.
Ayon kay Presidential Communications Office Sec. Cheloy Garafil, hindi maikakaila na kasagsagan ng pandemya sa COVID-19 ang taong 2021 kung saan ipinatupad ang mga lockdown at limitado ang biyahe.
“With the opening of the economy and lifting of restrictions in 2022, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has begun going around the country to ensure that various programs, projects and assistance of the government reach its intended beneficiaries as part of the post-Covid recovery efforts. Moreover, directly connecting with the local governments, local communities and sectoral groups is an integral part of the President’s decision-making process,” pahayag ni Seretary Garafil.
Sinabi pa ni Garafil na nakatanggap rin ang OP ng maraming imbitasyon para sa mga international events, conferences, high-level meetings, state visits at iba pa.
Pinaunlakan aniya ng OP ang mga imbitasyon dahil tiyak na malaking pakinabang ito para sa bayan.
“We reiterate that the Administration, guided by its 8-point socioeconomic agenda, avails of opportunities to generate more foreign investments in our post-pandemic recovery initiatives. At the same time, we also hope to elevate our position in the international community through stronger bilateral ties and improved relations with multilateral or international organizations,” pahayag ni Garafil.
Nasa 13 foreign trips na ang nagawa ng Pangulo mula nang maupo sa puwesto noong Hunyo 2022.