MANILA, Philippines – Reduce the free foreign trips of lawmakers.

This was the call of a Commission on Appointments member to Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo during the Cabinet official’s confirmation hearing on Wednesday, December 7.

A Teacher Representative Julieta Cortuna, CA assistant minority leader, raised the issue of the Department of Tourism’s “unnecessary” sponsorship of lawmakers’ travel abroad, saying it is a waste of public funds.

“I’d like to advise you, those travels have to be reduced but we heard a lot that it’s the department sponsoring these trips. They are not necessary. ‘Wag masyado (Limit the) travels especially if you’re using public funds,” Cortuna urged Teo on Wednesday, December 7.

Cortuna said there is an impression that these trips are only part of a “junket” for government officials or free trips with little national significance.

“I suggest you have to reduce perhaps the invitations that somehow created the impression of the title of a ‘junket’ – things like that. We heard that kind of news. We just want to protect people’s money,” Cortuna said.

In response, Teo said the tourism department invites congressmen recommended by the concerned House panel and Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez.

“Noted, Ma’am. Actually, the invitation was sent to the committee on tourism and the Speaker. We gave them, asked them to invite and they were the ones who gave us the list. We just followed list given to us,” Teo said.

Cortuna said the point of her inquiry is to exercise restraint in using public funds. She then suggested that before the agency sends invitation to the Speaker, the DOT should submit a purpose of travel other than for ocular visits.

Foreign trips helpful?

Two lawmakers defended the long-standing practice of inviting congressmen to attend and “observe” tourism efforts abroad.

Davao Oriental 2nd District Representative Joel Mayo Almario said the trips help lawmakers “appreciate” DOT efforts to promote the Philippines abroad.

“On the case on inviting members of Congress to travel roadshows and exhibits abroad, it has been practiced in previous congresses, not for anything, but for Congress members to appreciate what the DOT has been doing in promoting the country,” Almario said.

Almario then said in jest, referring to a colleague in the CA, “I think Congressman Albano was a constant beneficiary.”

Isabela Representative Rodolfo Albano III admitted he was indeed a “beneficiary.” He said it has been the practice since the the time of then tourism secretaries Richard Gordon and Ace Durano.

“I always go to travel marts especially in London, Spain, just to observe what the tourism people are doing,” he said.

Almario shared the same positive sentiment for the practice, adding that these foreign trips help lawmakers craft legislation.

“When we craft bills, we already have first hand information with the department in their efforts abroad,” Almario said.

He then jokingly pointed out that he has never been invited by the DOT.

“Although for the record, I have not been invited yet. I’d like to be invited for a local roadshow because this will bring me to my next point – I’m an advocate of local tourism,” he said. – Rappler.com