PH gov’t earmarks P34.6M for Aquino trip to Tokyo

President Benigno Aquino III AP PHOTO

Malacañang on Tuesday said President Benigno Aquino III’s four-day trip to Tokyo will cost around P34.6 million.

“The amount covers expenses for transportation, accommodation, food, equipment and other requirements of the Chief Executive and his 60-member delegation,” Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said in a statement.

Aquino will be in Tokyo from June 2 to 5 on the invitation of the Japanese government. He will be received by Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko at the Imperial Palace where a state banquet will be held in his honor.

During his meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Aquino is expected to discuss the South China Sea dispute and China’s military expansion in the area. The President will also meet with business managers and overseas Filipino workers.

READ: Sea row tops agenda of Aquino visit to Japan

Malacañang has been regularly informing the public on the cost of the President’s foreign trips.

READ: How much do Aquino’s trips abroad cost?

Aquino, onboard a chartered flight, left for Tokyo on Tuesday morning with the following officials: Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Press Secretary Herminio Coloma, Presidential Management Staff Chief Julia Andrea Abad, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Laura Del Rosario, and Presidential Protocol Chief Celia Anna Feria.

READ: Aquino flies to Japan for four-day state visit, exchange of top honors

Ochoa said Aquino’s trip to Japan is expected boost bilateral ties and investment in the country.

Japan, like the United States, is a strategic partner of the Philippines.

“Our Chief Executive and leaders of the government of Japan, as well as Japanese business organizations, are expected to discuss recent developments in the region in order to boost bilateral and economic relations, among others,” Ochoa said.

One of the highlights of Aquino’s state visit will involve addressing the Japanese Diet, which is the highest state organ in the country.

Despite visiting Japan in the past for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit (Apec) and other events, this will be Aquino’s first state visit to the country.

READ: Aquino to undertake first state visit to Japan June 2-5