Palace downplays expenses on Obama visit

MANILA, Philippines - The US government shouldered much of the expenses of President Barack Obama’s state visit, Malacañang said yesterday.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing that many in Obama’s entourage were not given free accommodation in the country’s hotels and that his party had its own vehicles and equipment.

“Once we get the amount, we will inform you... I have no information on the allocated budget,” Lacierda said.

He explained the government did not foot the bill on everything, only on the accommodation of Obama and eight or 10 members of his delegation.

“In this case... based on official arrangements with any government… This is an internationally recognized principle that when you speak of a state visit, the host government only shoulders the head of state plus several members of the delegation – sometimes it’s eight; sometimes it’s 10,” Lacierda said.