P9.8 M spent for Obama state visit

MANILA, Philippines - The government spent P9.8 million for the state visit of US President Barack Obama last April 28 to 29, Malacañang said on Friday.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the amount covers the cost of the state visit ceremonies, transportation, hotel accommodations and other expenses based on information from the Office of the Executive Secretary.

Earlier, Malacañang downplayed the expenses incurred by the government in hosting Obama, whose visit coincided with the signing of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between the Philippines and the US.

The Palace said the government did not have to foot the bill for everything but only for the accommodation of Obama and eight to 10 members of his delegation.

The other people in the entourage of Obama, including his security detail, were not given free accommodation in the country’s hotels. The US delegation also brought their own vehicles, so the government was able to dispense with the costs for that, the Palace added.