Greater sensitivity will be applied by President Arroyo before she agrees to any fancy banquets and brings her troop of Cabinet officials and lawmakers in her upcoming travel abroad, Malacañang said on Thursday.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo said the Palace recognizes the concerns stemming from the President’s alleged overspending in travels here and abroad and will now be “more sensitive and conscious” in her travel expenses.

President Arroyo is scheduled to return to New York City to join other world leaders, including US President Barack Obama, for the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 15.

Afterwards, the President will travel across the pond to United Kingdom to address a forum on emerging market on September 17 and 18, according to Fajardo. The summit, organized by the Economist, will be held at the Riverbank Plaza in London.

The President also accepted the invitation of the Saudi King Abdullah for a state visit in the oil-rich country on September 23. Fajardo said the President will also inaugurate the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology during her visit.

“We understand the concerns (on the lavish dinners) and one of our promises is we will be more sensitive and conscious when it comes to these matters,” Fajardo said in a radio interview.

“When it comes to dinners like Le Cirque, we will be more conscious about these things,” she added.

The President will also take a lean party in her trips to the three continents, unlike in previous visits where many lawmakers tagged along.

Fajardo said the President will bring only government officials with essential responsibilities related to the foreign travels. “On the part of Malacañang officials and congressmen, they should understand if not all of them will not be permitted to join the trip,” Fajardo said.

She said the President’s economic managers will likely accompany the President in her foreign travels to attract more investments for the country.