P11.6M for PNoy's 2-day Singapore visit

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III is now in Singapore to participate in The Economist's "The World in 2015" forum later this evening.

Philippine Airlines flight PR001, which carried Aquino and his official delegation, landed at 11:28 a.m. at the Changi International Airport, according to the Presidential Communications and Operations Office (PCOO) website.

Aquino is accompanied by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda and Undersecretary Manuel Quezon III, among other Cabinet officials.

The PCOO said the government has set aside P11.6 million for Aquino's participation in the The Economist's forum, where he will be delivering the keynote speech.

"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," the PCOO website quoted Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. as saying.

The amount allocated for Aquino's trip covers equipment, transportation, accommodation and food expenses and other needs of the President and his 54-member delegation.

The PCOO said Aquino will have meetings with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and President Tony Tan Keng Yam.

On Wednesday, Aquino is set to have a series of meetings with top business leaders.

He will also grant separate interviews to The Straits Times, Channel News Asia and BBC News.

Aquino will visit Jollibee's branch at the Lucky Plaza Mall for a quick lunch before returning to Manila tomorrow afternoon.