The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Thursday defended the proposed ₱1.408 billion budget for President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.’s local and foreign trips in 2024.

In a press briefing at the Malacañang Palace, DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman acknowledged that Marcos’ trip abroad has helped the country to be back on the track as an investment hub.

“Kami po, hindi lang po ang Presidente, even the economic managers, if you will notice po, we’ve been going out of the country to present the Philippines as an investment hub po,” she said.

“So, I think iyong expenses ng travel, as long as it will be beneficial and mas may advantage po para sa bansa natin, I think okay lang po iyon. It’s justified,” Pangandaman added.

The proposed ₱1.4 billion was 58 percent higher than the ₱893.87 million budget requested by the Chief Executive for 2022.

Since he assumed the presidency in 2022, Marcos has embarked on five state visits in the countries of Indonesia, Singapore, China, Japan, and Malaysia.

The President also conducted an official state visit in the United States of America (USA).

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier confirmed that Marcos will be flying to Vietnam for a state visit in January 2024.

In his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 24, the President said his foreign trips have been yielding trillions worth of investments and generating thousands of jobs for Filipinos.

Marcos' recent state visit in Malaysia has generated USD 285 million or an estimated ₱1.5 million in investment pledges.