Ridon: Duterte’s office issued travel authorities on foreign trips

Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor chairperson Terry Ridon on Tuesday said his agency's "unnecessary junkets" were covered by travel authorities from the Office of the President.

"All trips were covered by Travel Authorities issued by the Office of the President and recommended by the Office of the Cabinet Secretary involving international conferences relevant to the urban poor: poverty alleviation, public housing and climate change," he said in a statement.

Ridon, a former party-list congressman, also said that the conferences involved a multi-agency delegation that included agencies under the OP like the PCUP.

He made the remark after Duterte revealed that Ridon had seven foreign trips since his appointment.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. earlier announced PCUP's abolition over junkets and lack of collegial meetings. But he clarified that Duterte only intended to fire the commissioners, including Ridon. — MDM, GMA News