PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s administration did not spend a single centavo for Filipino celebrities who flew to Russia to join the Chief Executive in his five-day official visit to Moscow, Malacañang said on Wednesday, October 3.

The clarification was issued by Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, after overseas Filipino worker Mitch Tagbe posted photos on Facebook of actors Cesar Montano and Philip Salvador, and comic Moymoy of Moymoy Palaboy in Moscow.

Sought for reaction, Panelo said the show business personalities, known as “genuine and rabid” fans of Duterte, went to Russia on their own.

“As far as I know, they spent for their own. They can afford to travel,” he said.

“These [actors] came over Moscow on their own. The government [did not] spend for their fare and hotel accommodations,” Panelo added.

Duterte is set to meet the Filipinos residing and working in Russia on Saturday, October 5.

Panelo said Salvador, Montano, and Moymoy are expected to entertain the Filipino community for free while waiting for the President.

“With regard to the show biz people who are here, as far as I know, when they entertain the Filipino community while waiting for the arrival of the President, they are not paid,” he said.

“They have been doing that during the presidential campaign. They just happen to be genuine and rabid fans of the [Duterte],” the Palace official added. (Ruth Abbey Gita/SunStar Philippines)