The House of Representatives on Wednesday issued a certification clarifying that Quezon City 1st District Rep. Juan Carlos 'Arjo' Atayde will be shouldering his own expenses and not the government for his personal trip to Europe.
The certification was issued after Atayde drew flak on social media as his leave from duty as Congressman comes after his wedding with television host and actress Maine Mendoza.
"Hon. Atayde did not request for any funding from the House of Representatives," House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said.
Basahin> kopya ng travel authority ni Cong Arjo Atayde papuntang Switzerland para sa international screening ng kanyang pelikula na “Topakk”.Ayon kay House Sec Gen Reginald Velasco hindi nag-request ng pondo sa Kamara si Atayde dahil sarili itong gastos ng Kongresista @dzrhnews pic.twitter.com/HwkyTAWMvu
— milky rigonan 💋 (@milkyrigonan) August 2, 2023
Based on the travel authority dated July 10 and penned by the House SecGen, Atayde will be leaving the country to attend the prestige 76th edition of the Locarno International Film Festival in Switzerland as the vice chairperson of the Special Committee on Creative Industry and Performing Arts.
The Congressman is slated to watch the screening of his thriller movie titled "Topakk" during the said international film festival.
"As such, you are entitled to travel tax exemption," the travel authority reads.
Aside from attending the film fest, Atayde is scheduled to visit Filipino communities in Italy and Greece.
The trip begins on August 5 and will end on August 27.
