Friday, November 07, 2008 Rody: P6.9-M 'contingency fund' not scandalous By Carlo P. Mallo
AS CONGRESS continue to raise hell over the non-declaration of over P6.9 million by retired PNP comptroller Eliseo dela Paz in Russia, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte found nothing scandalous about it.
Various committees in both the Senate and House of Representatives are geared to conduct their own investigations "in aid of legislation" over the controversy that has mired the police hierarchy.
"It was not a scandalous amount," Duterte said in an interview quickly adding that some members of Congress are even worse and bring hundreds of millions of pesos in their trips abroad.
"Some congressmen bring even more, (some) at P200 million," Duterte said. Dela Paz had 105,000 euros or P6.9 million at hand.
He added that people should be realistic about the lifestyle in European countries, including that in Moscow.
"Magugutom ka dun if you don't bring enough money," Duterte said adding that unlike other countries where people can afford health care policies that are recognized internationally, it is important to bring extra money for any unwarranted situation that may arise.(CPM)
