Priest hits Aquino’s visit to UK, US

Fr. Joe Dizon (standing) with former CBCP President Bishop Oscar Cruz. Photo Courtesy: Arkibong Bayan

MANILA (05-June-12) — A Catholic priest has criticized the P87.1 million cost of President Benigno Aquino III’s trip to the United Kingdom and the United States, calling it as ‘scandalous.’

Solidarity Philippines lead convenor Fr. Joe Dizon said such cost is unjustifiable considering that many Filipinos are hungry and unemployed.

With the many problems the country is suffering, he said the hefty budget should have instead been used for generating more jobs, providing free medicine, and building more public hospitals.

“President Aquino should lead by example. I thought we are saving money. That P87.1 million is scandalous. In a moral point of view, that is a sin. The country has so many pressing problems that need his attention,” Dizon said.

The President left the country yesterday for a seven-day visit to UK and the US to enhance cooperation with the two countries and seek more foreign investments.

Dizon then called on the government to publicly disclose the breakdown of Aquino trip’s expenses along with eight other government officials and 27 businessmen. [CBCPNews]