Arroyo's splurge

Well, i don't really like GMA... but when i heard about this piece of news... i started searching for other articles about it... and found out that the Filipino taxpayers' money was not used... since someone else hosted the dinner and footed the bill... President Arroyo is smart enough not to make such a mistake because she knows that all eyes are on her right now... it is best that we look at the two sides of the coin before we make any harsh judgement because even if we do not like her as a person... it is not right to judge her based on one sided facts...

well thats not new to her talent. shes really not good for the Filipino people. shes just tried to be good but shes really not. i really dont like her.

It is so sad that even to the last few months of her administration, she still continues to exhibit insensitivity to her constituents. It is embarassing that the Philippines has been on the front page of New York post. It does not bring honor to the Philippines.

What else is new? She won't be called the most corrupt president for nothing - she has to live up to the name. Just an additional info, I was listening to an AM radio station on my way home this afternoon and I've just heard that her riches increased by 114% (if I remember it right) since she assumed presidency 8 years ago. A Philippine president's monthly salary is Php45,000.00 and she's not allowed to be engaged in any other income generating activities. Her husband is supposed to be unemployed ! How on earth could she have earned that much in a matter of 8 years? Not even a genius can figure that out, it defies all mathematical equations.

Hi kryzell! I was not able to read the article. But based on what you said, it is not right nor decent for any public servant, especially the president to use public funds for a lavish, one night meal even if the whole entourage is with her. $20,000 on a one dinner at Manhattan? wow. Public funds should be used decently, appropriately, and conscientiously. I also read what jazzbabe said. If this is true, then well, maybe somebody paid for their bills. Somebody very rich. question: did this guy pay with his own money or public money? hehehe. I wish I have a rich friend like that! LOL! Assuming that the rich guy paid from his own pocket, we must also be aware of people, our kababayans, who are hungry and poor and suffering. Now is not the time to be lavish. By the way, isn't public service and true leadership equated with servant-leadership? Well, that's just me thinking!

We have become sensitive to the president's moves every now and then that we even discriminate the food we eat. i think it's her right for once to eat in that kind of restaurant, since it wasn't her bill to begin with. well, who wouldn't be upset about the dinner, most of us get's really intimidated because we feel betrayed and not being take care of because of this event.so, would we want to have our president eat in a stall or fast food chain??..just a thought.

Was also surprised to hear that news too. Disappointed that here in the Philippines we were mourning for the loss of our beloved ex-president, but them they were like feasting over there. Although it was said that it was an anniversary celebtration but it could have been made discreetly and they should have made moderately. 20,000 US dollars is rather very insulting that they could afford to spend that money there. Now they are pointing fingers to a certain congressman in Leyte who they say have sponsored it but this congressman is denying it was his money but huis brother who spend for it. Arroyo administration is again pointing fingers to cover their tracks again. Same tactics once again what can we say about it. Let's make sure that we can get rid of these kind of people in government next year.

Well sad to say that she didn't think of what others may say about it even if she was treated by someone else, they should have at least be humble because a lot of Filipinos are not eating a decent meal. What else to do, they are in power so they can do whatever they want. Just to think of that amount, 1Million pesos, in just one meal. A very lavish lifestyle and sad that these rich people should have first help the poor and the needy.

I just heard of that news in a morning news show. I can't say any comment, I have not heard of the whole story yet.. Let's see how the admin explains this.

I've watched on news and blogged about this one as well on my own site. Based from what I heard/seen, the money spent on that lavish dining is actually a treat from Cong. Romualdez. Romualdez is a relative of the Marcoses, so it's totally not surprising for him to have that kind of amount for him to treat the other officials on that dine event. Though it may not seem appropriate knowing that there are lots of Filipinos who are suffering from hunger while the head of the country is out and having some lavish dining in New York. It looks like she is really insensitive.

I've also came across this article this morning. But before I reacted, I searched for the other side of the story, and voila, I've came across another article explaining that the previous article was 'grossly exaggerated'. It was said that Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez hosted the dinner and footed the bill and that no Juan de la Cruz tax was used. I just hope this explanation is an honest to goodness one.