Contrary to what administration critics are saying, President Arroyo’s congressional allies on Saturday said they believe that Malacañang has successfully defended the expenses incurred for Mrs. Arroyo’s foreign trips including her highly-criticized dinners during a recent trip to the United States.

Lakas-Kampi-CMD Reps. Antonio Alvarez of Palawan and Mauricio Domogan of Baguio City said Malacanang should be credited for giving a “full and detailed” report on the expenses and justifying the President’s foreign travels since 2001, instead of being criticized.

Alvarez said Malacañang’s full report on the presidential trips showed it adheres to the principles of transparency and accountability on any issue being raised against Mrs. Arroyo.

“For that, we appreciate the Palace for immediately detailing the expenses of the President’s trips, their justification and pertinent benefits to our country. The Palace action showed Malacañang has nothing to hide concerning President Arroyo’s travels,” Alvarez said.

Bukidnon Rep. Teofisto “TG” Guingona III earlier said the President had racked up P2.7 billion in expenses on her 50 foreign trips since 2003 to 2008. The amount, he said, was more than double the P1.1-billion limit set by Congress during the last six years.

Alvarez said the critics continue to attack the President to promote their vested interests. “They’re using the foreign trips issue to be popular to the electorate at the President’s expense. Too bad for them because the Filipino people are more discerning and would want to know more about their agenda for the country.”

Domogan, for his part, said he was satisfied with the report given by the Palace which, he claimed, answered all questions about the President’s trips. “The spreadsheet provided the necessary information justifying the President’s trips and the accompanying benefits derived by the country from these travels,” Domogan said.

He added, “she (Mrs. Arroyo) worked hard in those trips to lure as many investors to come to our country and promote our ties with various nations in meetings with their heads of state. She also checked into the status and welfare of our overseas Filipinos.