PNoy’s Singapore trip to cost P11.6M

President Benigno Aquino III's two-day trip to Singapore will cost the government P11.6 million, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said Tuesday.

 

In a statement, Ochoa said the amount will cover transportation, accommodation and food costs of the President and his 54-member delegation.

 

Aquino left for Singapore on Tuesday morning to participate and deliver the keynote speech in The Economist's World in 2015 conference.

 

In his departure speech, Aquino said he will use the conference to woo investors to the Philippines.

 

"Mayroon na tayong pagkakataong makasalo ang mga negosyante, upang makakalap ng interes, at mapabilis ang posibilidad ng kanilang pamumuhunan sa ating bansa," the President said.

 

Ochoa, for his part, said the conference will be a venue for Aquino to present his administration's plans to foreign business leaders.

 

“This is a significant opportunity for our President to share his administration’s plans and reform programs towards sustainable economic and inclusive growth, as well as the peace process for Mindanao,” Ochoa said.

 

The President will be accompanied by the following Cabinet officials in his Singapore trip:

 

The President's Singapore trip came a week after his back-to-back participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in China, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meet in Myanmar.

 

The government spent P24 million for Aquino's attendance to the APEC and ASEAN summits. — Andreo Calonzo/RSJ, GMA News