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Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Criticisms on solons’ UN trip ‘foolishness’
Rep. Raul del Mar (Cebu City, north) described as “tinonto” (foolishness) the opposition’s accusation that the legislators accompanied President Arroyo in her trip to New York for the United Nations general assembly as a reward for their “yes” vote against the impeachment complaints.
“Nganong kinahanglan man gyod nga naay opposition ug administration congressmen. Dependi na kon kinsay moadto at his
personal expense or entitled sa official trip (The group was composed of pro-administration legislators and members of the opposition. It all depended on who was entitled to the official trip. Otherwise, each legislator was responsible for his own travel expense),” he said over radio dyLA.
He said that in his five terms as congressman, he has been a regular observer in the United Nations. So it was only fitting that he was part of the President’s delegation, more so now that he is deputy speaker for the Visayas in Congress, he said.
Also with Arroyo were Rep. Antonio Cuenco (Cebu City, south), Rep. Nerissa Ruiz (Cebu, 6th district), Speaker Jose de Venecia and Senate President Franklin Drilon.
Government officials and different sectors hailed Arroyo for being the first Asian president to preside over the UN Security Council.
Arroyo left for the US about two weeks after the House of Representatives approved 158-51 the House justice committee report that recommended the dismissal of the impeachment complaints against Arroyo.
Among Cebu’s eight House legislators, only Rep. Clavel Asas-Martinez (4th district) voted against the committee report.
Del Mar said Cuenco’s presence was needed as the latter is chairman of the House foreign affairs committee.
“Ilang pasangil nga bayad sa ni-vote...Yes, tinonto na (Members of the opposition are saying that the trip is a reward for those who voted “yes,” well that’s all hogwash),” del Mar said.
Another false accusation is that President Arroyo gave them priority in the distribution of projects, which was also meant to poison the minds of the public, he said.
He said members of Congress are entitled to projects under the Priority Development Assistance Fund, which is incorporated in the country’s annual budget. (AIV)
(September 20, 2005 issue)
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