00:00 The only one that confirms that is APEC in November in the States.
00:04 President Marcos traveled a dozen times to other countries this year.
00:15 That's like going abroad every month.
00:17 Most are working visits paid for by the Philippine government.
00:22 Just like his trip to the World Economic Forum in Switzerland last January.
00:27 To Japan the following month, Indonesia in May and September, Singapore in September as well, and the United States last month.
00:36 I basically just ran out of steam yesterday.
00:39 I haven't recovered from the trip yet.
00:42 I suppose I just need a rest. I'm fine now.
00:49 Thank you for your concern.
00:54 The president also had state and official visits.
00:57 Simply put, the host country pays the bill.
01:00 Like in China last January, US in April, United Kingdom in May, Malaysia in July, and Saudi Arabia in October.
01:09 The chief executive had a total of 18 overseas trips since the start of his term.
01:15 After the 1986 EDSA people power revolution, this president has had the third most number of overseas trips taken in the first 18 months in office.
01:27 His presidential visits have been resulting to actual investment registrations and approvals in our investment promotion agencies.
01:39 The Board of Investments reports foreign investment approvals shot up nearly seven times in the first 10 months of 2023 compared to the same period last year.
01:51 On the upside, the Presidential Communications Office boasts the president's trips have raked in over 4.2 trillion pesos in investment pledges.
02:01 That's almost the same amount as the national budget for an entire year.
02:06 But potential investors must first fulfill their pledges before benefits could trickle down the chain.
02:12 Let's just say that we can only get one trip. Let's just get all the trips.
02:17 The president is requesting Congress to increase his international travel cheque by more than 50% next year.
02:24 The Budget and Management Department points to relaxed travel restrictions as the reason for the higher travel budget in 2024.
02:33 The DBM also says possible investments arising from such trips will boost the economy.
02:40 But critics frown the costs far outweigh the benefits.
