Malacanang said on Friday there will be no contingents from the
Senate and the House of Representatives that will join the "lean delegation" of President Benigno S. Aquino III in his visit to the
United States this month.
Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda told Palace reporters in a text message that Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. decided not to send any members of Congress to join the Chief Executive in his first overseas trip since assuming the presidency last June 30.
â€There are no representatives from the House and the Senate who will join the President in his working trip to the U.S.,†Secretary Lacierda said.
According to Lacierda, the President decided to have a very "small delegation" which will include only three Cabinet members.
Lacierda also said that the President and his lean delegation will not stay at sky-high price hotels while in New York and San Francisco.
He added that President Aquino decided to stay at Sofitel Hotel while in New York, where he will attend the United Nations General Assembly.
Earlier this week, the President said that he would only include in his entourage the secretaries of Trade, Foreign Affairs and Finance.
He also assured that no one among his sisters will join his first-ever foreign trip as Chief Executive.
He added, however, that about 30-35 businessmen will join his first overseas trip since 60-70 percent of his working visit to the U.S. will be business-oriented to invite investors to do business in the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma earlier said that the Palace lauded the House leadership for not sending any delegation to accompany the President in his U.S. trip.
Coloma cited Speaker Belmonte for deciding to focus on working for the passage of the proposed 2011 national budget. (PNA)
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