In a contentious move stirring public debate, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to receive a staggering P1.408 billion allocation for both domestic and international travel in 2024.

The amount represents a staggering 58 percent spike from the previous year's P893.87 million travel fund allocation, sparking fervent discussions regarding the allocation's necessity amidst pressing local issues.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III expressed concerns regarding the significant hike in travel funds, emphasizing that while the president's intentions to travel extensively may be apparent, the nation's paramount concerns remain predominantly local.

"The increase in the foreign and local trips budget is reflective of their plans for 2024. If the president intends to travel more then so be it. But he should be aware that our people’s problems are ‘more local’ than he thinks,” noted Pimentel.

Highlighting the agricultural sector's plight, Pimentel pointed out the administration's inclination toward importation, urging a pivotal shift toward supporting local farmers and fishermen to bolster food sufficiency.

Since assuming office in June 2022, President Marcos has embarked on 19 foreign trips, nearly doubling.

The foreign engagements come against the backdrop of a reported contrasting assertions from Malacañang, which claimed a reduction in the president's travel activity starting January.

Allegations surfaced regarding overspending on travel expenses, with Marcos purportedly exceeding his 2022 travel budget by P84 million, news reports indicated.

By September 2023, reports showed a total expenditure of P398 million, raising eyebrows over the financial prudence of the president's travel expenses.

Notably, destinations such as the US, Indonesia, and Singapore emerged as President Marcos's preferred international stops, drawing attention to the nature and purpose of these visits.

Responding to mounting scrutiny, Presidential Communications Office chief Cheloy Velicaria Garafil emphasized that the proposed 2024 budget aims to fortify the president's efforts in enhancing the country's attractiveness to potential investors.

Government press releases boasted that following his foreign trips, Marcos “brought home not only billions of pesos worth of investment pledges in the Philippines but has also brought over 200,000 job opportunities” for Filipinos.