Press Release
June 19, 2009

CHIZ TO PALACE: SAVE TAX MONEY NOW BY SUSPENDING
FOREIGN TRAVELS

Opposition Senator Chiz Escudero yesterday said the government should save taxpayer's money by cutting unnecessary government expenses, like foreign trips, instead of proposing new taxes to shore up dwindling revenue collections.

"The President should set the example. Are these foreign trips necessary at this time? Money spent in these travels can be spent for more important needs," Escudero said.

"How has the country benefited from all these travels? Can we have a cost-benefit accounting of the many trips she has taken since 2001?," the senator asked.

Escudero raised these questions following the President's departure several days after she returned from trips to South Korea and Russia.

The 39-year old senator has opposed imposing new taxes now, proposing instead that the government should plug tax collection loopholes and crack down on rampant smuggling to raise its tax take.

"In times of acute public want, it is not good to see the President and her party traipsing around the Hermitage," he said.

Escudero said he will look into the amount of public funds spent for these foreign travels during the deliberations for next year's budget.

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