Debate

The whole Philippines was astounded when the news came out that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her   political allies spent   $20, 000 or almost Php 1,000,000 for a dinner at an elegant restaurant in New York during their trip to United States. These report and speculation have been spreading in every corner of the country and even all over the world. People are trying to figure out the real score behind that “mysterious” dinner.



POSSIBLE ATTACKS:
First of all, the president and her party did not violate any law. It’s their money, so it’s up to them on how to spend it. It was reported that President Arroyo dined with 40 persons so it would cost Php 25,000 per head. When you are in New York, a dinner for Php 25,000 would be a bit luxury but not that too expensive. However, a Php 10,000 dinner in a Philippine hotel or restaurant is just like a treat for special people and not much considered a luxury if done one time or few times for special occasions.

Treating special people during special occasions   is just normal or ordinary for us Filipinos. Parents would even spend as much as Php 50,000 for 30 people who would attend their child’s birthday. Even a poor person would celebrate his/her birthday with his/her friends spending above his/her ordinary expenses. A couple would reserve a restaurant or resort to celebrate their anniversary for   2 days and 3 nights spending almost their combined monthly salaries to enjoy themselves. That is how we Filipinos treat our family, friends or special people on   very special occasions.

COUNTER ATTACKS:
Its totally needless and unnecessary to spend such a huge amount in just a simple dinner considering the circumstances in the Philippines wherein according to the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB),   one third of the country's more than 92 million people are living in poverty. As public servants, the priority of the government officials especially the President is the Filipinos, which means that...